Scarlets appoint New Zealand-born Aaron Dundon as lead forwards coach for 2026-27

Scarlets have appointed Aaron Dundon as their lead forwards coach for the 2026-27 season, with the New Zealand-born coach arriving from back-to-back URC champions Leinster.

Dundon brings a broad coaching CV to west Wales, having worked with Ulster in Ireland, Top 14 side La Rochelle in France, and the Tasman Makos in New Zealand’s NPC. A former Leinster player himself, he also has experience coaching Ireland’s U20s.

At Scarlets, Dundon will work alongside specialist lineout coach Albert van den Berg and contact-area coach Bradley Davies. The appointment also triggers an internal reshuffle, with Emyr Phillip moving into a full-time role leading the scrum and academy programme.

“Joining a club with the history, ambition and identity of the Scarlets is a fantastic opportunity,” said Dundon. “My coaching philosophy is built on relentless preparation, attention to detail and creating a set-piece that gives the team a genuine platform to play. With a physical and dominant set-piece, the talented players in this squad can express themselves and play the exciting and expansive brand of rugby the Scarlets are renowned for.”

Scarlets interim director of rugby Nigel Davies said Dundon had come highly recommended from sources he trusted, with consistent praise for his technical expertise and ability to develop forward packs under pressure.

“He has developed within one of the strongest coaching systems in world rugby and has worked alongside some outstanding coaches throughout his career,” Davies said. “We wanted someone who could lead our entire forwards programme while ensuring every area works together. Aaron brings that leadership, but he also understands the importance of collaboration.”

Davies was also keen to stress that van den Berg’s role remains central to the coaching group, describing the Scarlets’ lineout as one of the strongest in the URC and framing Dundon’s arrival as a means of building greater alignment across all aspects of the forwards game rather than replacing existing expertise.