The Scarlets (Welsh: Y Scarlets) are one of the four professional Welsh rugby union teams and are based in Llanelli, Wales. Their home ground is the Parc y Scarlets stadium. They play in the United Rugby Championship and in European Professional Club Rugby competitions. The club was originally named the Llanelli Scarlets but was renamed at the start of the 2008–09 rugby season.[2]

Scarlets
UnionWelsh Rugby Union
Nickname(s)The Turks
Founded2003; 21 years ago (2003)
LocationLlanelli, Wales
Ground(s)Parc y Scarlets (Capacity: 14,870)
ChairmanSimon Muderack
PresidentDerek Quinnell
Coach(es)Dwayne Peel
Captain(s)Josh Macleod
Most appearancesVernon Cooper (369)[1]
Top scorerStephen Jones (2,850)[1]
Most triesWayne Proctor (173)[1]
League(s)United Rugby Championship
2023–2413th (Welsh Shield: 2nd)
1st kit
2nd kit
Official website
www.scarlets.wales
Current season

The Llanelli Scarlets were founded in 2003, as one of the five (now four) regional teams created by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU). The Scarlets are affiliated with a number of semi-professional and amateur clubs throughout the area, including Welsh Premier Division sides Llanelli RFC, Carmarthen Quins RFC and Llandovery RFC. Through the 2007–08 season, they played most of their games at Stradey Park in Llanelli, but they have also played matches at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham. The club's new stadium, Parc y Scarlets (English: Scarlets Park), was constructed in nearby Pemberton, and opened in November 2008.[3]

The Scarlets won the league twice: the initial 2003–04 Celtic League season, and the Pro12 in 2016–17, defeating Munster 46–22 in the 2017 Pro12 Grand Final.[4]

History

edit

Formation

edit
 
A diagram showing the development pathways managed by Wales' professional clubs

In 2003, the WRU elected to reduce the top tier of Welsh professional rugby from nine clubs into five regions during the introduction of regional rugby union teams in Wales, attempting to mirror the successful formats in Ireland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Initially, it was planned to have a region playing at Stradey Park, with players coming from Llanelli, Swansea and Neath.[5] This was then modified to have Llanelli and Swansea merging, while Neath joined with Bridgend. Llanelli were opposed to both plans and requested standalone status.[6] Eventually, Llanelli and Cardiff were allowed to remain independent.[7] The Llanelli Scarlets brand was officially launched on 7 July 2003.[8]

Despite always having been a 100% owned Llanelli RFC subsidiary, the Scarlets were originally conceived as representing the whole of West and North Wales. In the early seasons of regional rugby, the Scarlets played a small number of games at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham. While nominally continuing to be the regional franchisee for North Wales, the Scarlets presence there has diminished.[9] As of 2018, the Scarlets consider their region to represent the three counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.[10]

2003–2014

edit

2003–04 season

edit

Largely drawn from the Llanelli RFC side that won the Welsh Cup the preceding year, the Scarlets carried that success forward into their inaugural season. They reached the last eight of the 2003–04 Heineken Cup and finished the Celtic League season as champions by four points over Ulster. In the Heineken Cup, the Scarlets were drawn in Pool 4 along with Northampton Saints, Agen and Borders. The Scarlets won five of their six matches, losing only to Agen, and finished top of their pool before losing to French club Biarritz 27–10 in the quarter-finals.

2004–05 season

edit
 
Scarlets players during a league match against Glasgow Warriors in 2006

The following season, however, was less successful. Plagued by injuries and retirements, as well as the departure of influential fly-half Stephen Jones to Clermont, the Scarlets finished a disappointing fifth in the league. They were even less successful in the Heineken Cup, winning just two of their six pool games to finish third behind Northampton and Toulouse. The salvation of their season came in reaching the final of the Celtic Cup, which they lost 26–17 to Munster.

2005–06 season

edit

The Scarlets again failed to qualify from their Heineken Cup group in 2005–06 and finished sixth in the Celtic League. They did, however, find more success in the newly restructured Anglo-Welsh Cup. After finishing at the top of their pool, they defeated Bath by one point in the semi-finals to reach the final against London Wasps at Twickenham; missing several international players, they lost 26–10. In the Heineken Cup, it was a similar story to the previous season, with the Scarlets winning two of their six fixtures to finish third in the pool again, behind Toulouse and Wasps. Despite finishing sixth in the Celtic League, the team qualified for the Heineken Cup for the 2006–07 season as the second-best-placed Welsh team in the league. They also re-signed Stephen Jones, and full-back Barry Davies extended his contract to stay with the Scarlets. The Scarlets' Director of Rugby, Gareth Jenkins, had been appointed as Wales' national team coach, having been with the region since its inception. Phil Davies, then coach of Leeds Tykes, replaced Jenkins at the Scarlets.[11]

2006–07 season

edit

At the first home game of the 2006–07 season, an information sheet was handed out to supporters with details of the club's financial situation. There was opposition by local residents to plans by the Scarlets to move to a new stadium and sell their current ground for housing development. The information sheet stated that, due to delays caused by the opposition and benefactors pulling out of the club, it was "extremely unlikely that [the Llanelli Scarlets] could survive to the end of the present season unless other financial assistance is found", which would result in "the loss, probably for all time, of professional rugby in West Wales." Local residents believed, however, that the infrastructure, such as roads and schools, will not cope with 450 new houses being built on the site. On 28 November 2006, the regions secured investment from Tim Griffiths, a London-based businessman.[12]

In the 2006–07 Heineken Cup, the Scarlets recorded one of the most famous victories in their brief history as a region, defeating Toulouse 41–34 away, despite twice trailing by 21 points. This was an unexpected victory, despite the Scarlets having won their first three games of the 2006–07 competition. They later secured their place in the Heineken Cup quarter-final with a convincing 35–11 win over Ulster at Ravenhill. The Scarlets went on to become only the fifth team in the history of the competition to win all their pool matches. They beat current holders Munster 24–15 at Stradey Park in the quarter-finals, but were beaten 33–17 in the semis by a strong Leicester Tigers side, putting an end to their hopes of making it 'third time lucky' in Heineken Cup semi-finals.

2007–08 season

edit

On 30 April 2008, Phil Davies was replaced by Nigel Davies after a sixth-place finish in the Celtic League and an end of season slump.[13]

2008–09 season

edit

The Scarlets moved from Stradey Park at the end of November 2008 to a new ground at Pemberton called Parc y Scarlets. The final Scarlets match played at Stradey Park was on 24 October 2008, against Bristol in the group stage of the Anglo-Welsh Cup. The Scarlets won 27–0 in front of a capacity crowd, which included former Llanelli captains such as Delme Thomas and Phil Bennett.[14]

The Scarlets' first match at their new home was an 18–16 Celtic League defeat to Munster on 28 November 2008.[15] Their first Heineken Cup match at Parc y Scarlets was held on 12 December against Ulster and finished in a 16–16 draw.[16] Both matches were held with reduced capacity, as law requires that a new stadium hold three events at reduced capacity before it is authorised for its full capacity. The official opening ceremony was on 31 January 2009, when the Scarlets faced the Barbarians.

2011–12 season

edit
 
Scarlets players contest a line-out in a match against Benetton Treviso in 2013

During the 2011–12 season, the Scarlets were unable to progress to the knockout rounds of the Heineken Cup, but placing second in their pool earned them an automatic drop-down spot in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup. They lost the resulting fixture against Brive 15–12, despite scoring the only try of the match through Liam Williams.[17]

Nigel Davies departed the club at the conclusion of the 2011–12 season, and was replaced by defence coach and longtime Scarlets player, Simon Easterby.[18]

2014–2019: Wayne Pivac years

edit

2014–15 season

edit

In May 2014, it was confirmed that the four Welsh regions would compete in the annual Premiership Sevens Series after a three-year deal was agreed with BT Sport.[19]

After the 2013–14 season, the Scarlets had numerous changes in coaching staff. Forwards coach Danny Wilson departed for Bristol, while Byron Hayward joined as a defense coach. Wayne Pivac was hired as an assistant coach, but selected as head coach when Simon Easterby left the position to become forwards coach with Ireland.[20]

Under Pivac, the Scarlets' performances did not immediately turn around. Centre Jonathan Davies left for Clermont ahead of the 2014–15 season, but Hadleigh Parkes was signed from Auckland, and reunited with former coach Pivac. Mid-table finishes continued for the next two seasons. Mark Jones departed in 2015, replaced by long time Scarlets fly-half and London Wasps attack coach Stephen Jones.[21]

2016–17 season

edit

Ahead of 2016, Tadhg Beirne joined the side. The Irish forward arrived from Leinster, and capable of playing at lock and in the back row, proved to be an influential player in the pack. Recruitment was further bolstered with Crusaders back Johnny McNicholl and the return of Jonathan Davies from France. Fly-half Rhys Patchell was signed from Cardiff Blues, with Steven Shingler moving in the opposite direction. The season started poorly, with the Scarlets losing their first three matches. Improvements throughout the season saw the Scarlets finish in third place in the table, qualifying for the play-offs. The Scarlets beat Leinster away at the RDS Stadium, 27–15, despite winger Steff Evans being sent off in the first half.[22] The Scarlets beat Munster in the final with an emphatic 46–22 win.[23] This was the Scarlets second title, their first having come in 2004 during the first Celtic League season.

2017–18 season

edit

The Scarlets looked to maintain their title the following season in the inaugural Pro14 tournament. Leigh Halfpenny joined from Toulon, replacing outgoing fullback Liam Williams. They topped their pool in the Champions Cup, and defeated La Rochelle 29–17 in the quarter-final.[24] The Scarlets fell short of the final, losing to eventual winners Leinster in their semi-final.[25]

They again reached the final in the league, having defeated the Cheetahs and Glasgow Warriors in the knock-out rounds, but came up short against Leinster, losing 40–32 in the final despite a late flurry of tries and a hat-trick from Johnny McNicholl.[26]

2018–19 season

edit

Wayne Pivac was announced as Warren Gatland's successor as Wales coach after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.[27] With him left Stephen Jones and Byron Hayward, who joined Pivac on the Wales coaching staff.

Crusaders assistant coach Brad Mooar was announced as the next head coach in December 2018.[28]

Project Reset

edit

In 2018, the Welsh Rugby Union sought to reform club rugby in Wales.[29] Salaries had increased as they worked to entice Welsh players abroad to return, and they aimed to streamline costs with a banding system. The Professional Rugby Board (PRB) was created between the WRU and clubs to attempt to identify a sustainable path forward. The PRB evaluated numerous options including mergers and relocations of clubs, and by early 2019 felt the preferable option was to merge the Scarlets with west Wales rivals the Ospreys; the Swansea club having made a made an approach to the Scarlets in late 2018.[30] This was not the first time a west Wales super club had been mooted; during the 2003 formation of regional rugby, a combination of the Llanelli, Swansea, and Neath forming a unified club was initially proposed.[31] The new combined club would play league matches at Parc y Scarlets, with European fixtures at the Ospreys' Liberty Stadium. Shortly after the proposal was revealed, Scarlets ownership indicated the merger was "off the table", with Ospreys chairman Mike James resigning, and the club formation ultimately remaining unchanged.[32]

2019–2021: Coaching changes

edit

2019–20 season

edit

New coach Brad Mooar started the 2019 season well, winning five out of the first six matches, but left before settling in, having been selected by new All Blacks coach Ian Foster to join his staff as assistant coach. The Scarlets and the New Zealand Rugby Union agreed to a release for Mooar, and his assistant coach Glenn Delaney was named as his successor.[33]

2020–21 season

edit

Former Scarlets Dwayne Peel was announced as head coach for the forthcoming season, with Delaney moving to a Director of Rugby role.[34] Peel was at the time contracted to join Cardiff Blues for the following season, as an assistant coach responsible for attack.[35] Following the dismissal of Blues head coach John Mulvihill, former coach Dai Young made a return to the club initially as interim head coach and finally Director of Rugby.[36] Due to this new coaching structure, the Scarlets and Blues came to an agreement allowing for Peel to no longer join Cardiff as an assistant coach, and instead join the Scarlets as head coach.[37]

After a poor run of matches, Delaney was relieved of his duties as head coach and departed the club before assuming the Director of Rugby role, with Dai Flanagan stepping in as caretaker head coach.[38]

2021–present: Dwayne Peel era

edit

2021–22 season

edit

Ahead of the 2021–22 United Rugby Championship, Leinster skills coach Hugh Hogan was brought in as defence coach.[39] The Scarlets finished in 10th place, and narrowly missed out on winning the newly created URC Welsh Shield. Hogan departed after one season, being replaced by Wales assistant coach Gareth Williams.[40]

2022–23 season

edit

Few signings were made prior to the 2022–23 United Rugby Championship season, with All Blacks utility forward Vaea Fifita the headline acquisition, while Liam Williams departed for Cardiff following his second spell with the club. Longtime prop Rob Evans followed Steffan Hughes, and former Dragon Angus O'Brien to the Dragons, along with backs coach Dai Flanagan, who was named as their new head coach.[41]

Following their collapse in October 2022, Wasps head coach Lee Blackett joined as backs coach for the remainder of the season.[42] The season began poorly for the Scarlets, winning only one URC match prior to the international window. Wales prop Sam Wainwright joined midseason, with Samson Lee remaining sidelined with a long-term injury.[43] Upon regrouping, fortunes had changed, with the team winning both matches in the first two rounds of the 2022–23 EPCR Challenge Cup pool stage, putting themselves at the top of their pool.[44] They then beat Bayonne and the Cheetahs in the return matches to finish top of the pool and set up a round of 16 knockout fixture at home against Brive.[45] The Scarlets followed up on their European victory the following week, beating the Bulls despite missing numerous players to Wales call-ups, and earning their first victory over the Pretoria-based team.[46][47]

During the Six Nations, they secured a bonus-point win against Edinburgh, and two bonus points in a loss away to Munster, in which they came back from 35–7 down at half-time.[48][49] They then secured their second win over South African opposition of the season with a 32–20 win over a Sharks team heavily laden with Springboks.[50] The Scarlets made their way into the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup, after beating Brive 19–7, facing ASM Clermont Auvergne at home.[51] This was the Scarlets first European quarter-final fixture since the 2019–20 season.[52] The Scarlets won the match 32–30, with a late try by Ryan Conbeer and a match-winning conversion from Sam Costelow three minutes from full-time, propelling them into a home semi-final.[53] The Scarlets lost the resultant semi-final, their final match of the season.[54]

The squad saw fifteen players leave the club, owing to the reduced salary caps imposed by the WRU.[55] Notable departures included Rhys Patchell, Leigh Halfpenny, and Aaron Shingler, who spent his entire professional career with the club.[56] Corey Baldwin and Dane Blacker were both released, and subsequently signed for the Dragons.[57] In the backroom, Nigel Ashley-Jones departed the club after two seasons to join Eddie Jones with the Australia national rugby union team.[58] Lee Blackett left following his short-term agreement with the club, joining Bath Rugby.[59] Forwards coach Ben Franks returned to New Zealand.[60]

2023–24 season

edit

Joining the club were Welsh international Ioan Lloyd from Bristol Bears, and former Scarlet Tomi Lewis returning from Jersey Reds.[61] Numerous renewals were also confirmed, such as lock pair Morgan Jones and Jac Price, centres Ioan Nicholas, Joe Roberts, and Eddie James, and prop Kemsley Mathias– all players developed from the Scarlets academy.[62][63][64] Sam Wainwright signed a full contract, following on from his short-term deal.[64] Hooker Ryan Elias signed an extension, despite interest from abroad.[65][66] Also signed was former New Zealand U20 back row Taine Plumtree, who qualified for Wales and was quickly called up to the Welsh squad for World Cup preparations.[67][68] Added to the restructured Scarlets academy were lock Ed Scragg, and Loughborough duo Charlie Titcombe and Teddy Leatherbarrow.[69][70]

Clermont coach Jared Payne signed as the new attack coach, with Lions coach Albert van den Berg joining as the forwards coach.[60] Shane Carney took over as Head of Athletic Performance, reuniting with Peel, having worked at Ulster together previously.[60]

Few wins were seen during the season, the highlights being a home and away win against local rivals Cardiff,[71][72] and earning a first win outside of Wales with a victory over Zebre Parma.[73] In the Challenge Cup, they lost every match, and failed to earn a single point on the table.[74] They finished the season with a win, in the annual Judgement Day fixture against the Dragons.[75]

During the season, defence coach Gareth Williams was removed from his position, with Jared Payne moving from attack to replace him, and Peel becoming responsible for the attack.[76] Samson Lee announced his retirement mid-season, having failed to fully recover from a long-standing injury.[77] Johnny McNicholl was released early to return home to New Zealand, joining the Crusaders as cover for former Scarlet Leigh Halfpenny.[78] Notably, former Scarlets and Wales captain Ken Owens retired prior to the end of the season, having spent his entire professional career with the club.[79]

Also departing the club were two more capped British Lions: Jonathan Davies and Wyn Jones; Welsh international Scott Williams; and academy products Dan Jones and Ryan Conbeer.[80]

Name and colours

edit
Scarlets logos
2003–2008
2008–

The Scarlets took their name from the nickname of Llanelli RFC, their main feeder club. Llanelli have played in red since 1884 when they played a game against a touring Ireland side.[81] This close link with Llanelli RFC has also led to the Scarlets adopting the scarlet red colour for their primary jerseys, with their secondary colours generally being blue.

The region was originally named the Llanelli Scarlets, but was renamed at the start of the 2008–09 rugby season to more accurately represent the area covered by the region.[2]

Kit suppliers

edit
Period Kit providers
2003–2009 Kooga
2009–2010 Rhino
2010–2014 Burrda
2014–2017 Kooga
2017–2022 Macron
2022–present Castore

Stadium

edit
 
Scarlets current home ground, Parc y Scarlets

From 2003 to the 2007–08 season, the Scarlets played most of their home matches at Llanelli's Stradey Park (also the home of Llanelli RFC). However, they have played several games in North Wales, at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground, to promote the region's geographical representation. The last league game played at the Racecourse Ground was in September 2005.[82] The 2006–07 season was planned to be the last season played at Stradey Park, which was subsequently to be demolished for the building of apartments. The Scarlets played every home game of the 2006–07 season at Stradey Park to commemorate the historic ground. They played their last game at Stradey Park on 24 October 2008 against Bristol, and their first game at Parc y Scarlets on 28 November 2008 against Munster.

The new home of the Scarlets and Llanelli RFC, known as Parc y Scarlets (English: Scarlets Park),[83] is in Pemberton. The new stadium cost £23 million to be constructed and holds 14,340 spectators.[84] The first game held at the stadium saw Llanelli RFC play Cardiff RFC on 15 November 2008.[85] The stadium's main stand is located on the south side of the ground, and houses the new Scarlets museum and club shop, as well as a sports bar, the players' changing rooms and a players' gym. Stadium blueprints planned for the main stand to be about 20 metres (66 ft) tall. Outside the stadium there is a training barn for the players, as well as a training pitch and athletics track. The remainder of the site is taken up by the Parc Trostre retail park.[86]

Current squad

edit
Scarlets squad[a]

Props

Hookers

Locks

Back row

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

Centres

Wings

Fullbacks

(c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players, L denotes a player on loan at the club,
ST denotes a player on a short-term deal at the club,
* denotes players qualified to play for Wales on residency or dual nationality.
Players and their allocated positions from the Scarlets website.[87]
  1. ^ Taking into account signings and departures head of 2024–25 season as listed on List of 2024–25 United Rugby Championship transfers.

Senior Academy squad

edit
Scarlets Senior Academy squad[a]

Props

Hookers

Locks

Back row

  •   Keanu Evans
  •   Will Plessis
  •   Tiaan Sparrow

Scrum-halves

  •   Rhodri Lewis

Fly-halves

  •   Steffan Jac Jones
  •   Ellis Payne
  •   Charlie Titcombe*

Centres

Wings

  •   Kian Abraham
  •   Callum Woolley

Fullbacks

  •   Jac Davies
  •   Iori Badham
(c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players.
* denotes players qualified to play for Wales on residency or dual nationality.
Players and their allocated positions from the Scarlets website.[88]
  1. ^ Taking into account signings and departures head of 2024–25 season as listed on List of 2024–25 United Rugby Championship transfers.

Notable players

edit

Club captains

edit
Captain Season(s) Honours
Leigh Davies[89][90] 2003–04 Celtic League: 1 (2004)
Simon Easterby[91] 2004–052008–09
Mark Jones[92] 2009–10
Matthew Rees[93] 2010–112011–12
Rob McCusker[94] 2012–13
Rob McCusker
Jonathan Davies[95]
2013–14
Ken Owens[96] 2014–152020–21 Pro12: 1 (2017)
Jonathan Davies[97] 2021–222022–23
Josh Macleod[98] 2023–24 – present

Rugby World Cup

edit

The following players have represented their countries at the Rugby World Cup, while playing for the Scarlets:

Tournament Players selected Wales players Other national team players
2003 10 Garan Evans, Dafydd Jones, Mark Jones, Stephen Jones, Robin McBryde, Dwayne Peel, Mark Taylor, Iestyn Thomas, Chris Wyatt Canada: Jon Thiel
2007 9 Dafydd James, Mark Jones, Stephen Jones, Dwayne Peel, Alix Popham, Matthew Rees Ireland: Simon Easterby; Samoa: Mahonri Schwalger; Scotland: Scott MacLeod
2011 11 Jonathan Davies, Stephen Jones, Tavis Knoyle, George North, Ken Owens, Rhys Priestland, Scott Williams Fiji: Deacon Manu; Scotland: Sean Lamont; Tonga: Sione Timani, Viliame Iongi
2015 7 Jake Ball, Gareth Davies, Samson Lee, Ken Owens, Scott Williams, Liam Williams Canada: D. T. H. van der Merwe
2019 13 Jake Ball, Gareth Davies, James Davies, Jonathan Davies, Ryan Elias, Leigh Halfpenny, Wyn Jones, Ken Owens, Hadleigh Parkes, Rhys Patchell, Aaron Shingler Samoa: Kieron Fonotia; Scotland: Blade Thomson
2023 7 Sam Costelow, Gareth Davies, Ryan Elias, Kieran Hardy, Johnny Williams Tonga: Vaea Fifita, Sam Lousi

British & Irish Lions

edit

The following players were selected for the British & Irish Lions touring squads while contracted to the Scarlets:

Year Tour Series result Players
2005   New Zealand 0–3 Simon Easterby, Dwayne Peel
2009   South Africa 1–2 Stephen Jones, Matthew Rees
2013   Australia 2–1 Jonathan Davies, George North
2017   New Zealand 1–1 Jonathan Davies, Ken Owens, Liam Williams
2021   South Africa 1–2 Gareth Davies, Wyn Jones, Ken Owens, Liam Williams

Stephen Jones was also selected for the 2005 Lions tour while playing for Clermont Auvergne. Former Scarlets Scott Quinnell, Robin McBryde and Dafydd James were also selected for the Lions on the 2001 tour to Australia while playing for Llanelli RFC.[99]

Notable former internationals

edit

Players who have won over 20 international caps and have played for the Scarlets:

Coaching staff

edit

First-team management

edit
Name[100] Title
  Dwayne Peel Head coach and attack coach
  Jared Payne Defence coach
  Albert van den Berg Forwards coach
  Emyr Phillips Contact area coach
  Shane Carney Head of Athletic Performance
  Matthew Rees Head of medical
  Leigh Jones Performance director
  Jonathan Daniels Director and general manager
  James Davies Recruitment and operations officer

Academy management

edit
Name[101] Title
  Scott Sneddon Transition and academy head coach
  Paul Fisher Skills coach
  Phil John Skills coach
  Rhodri Jones Skills coach
  Tom Phillips Skills coach
  Kevin George Development pathway manager

Head coaches

edit
Name Tenure
  Gareth Jenkins 2003–2006[102]
  Phil Davies 2006–2008[102]
  Nigel Davies 2008–2012[103]
  Simon Easterby 2012–2014[103]
  Wayne Pivac 2014–2019[104]
  Brad Mooar 2019–2020[105]
  Glenn Delaney 2020–2021[106]
  Dai Flanagan (interim) 2021[107]
  Dwayne Peel 2021–present[108]

Results and statistics

edit

Seasons

edit

Honours

edit

Celtic League / Pro12 / Pro14 / United Rugby Championship

edit
Season Position/Round Played Won Drawn Lost Bonus Points
2003–04 1st 22 16 1 5 10 76
2004–05 5th 20 9 0 11 10 46
2005–06 6th 22 10 1 9 7 57[a]
2006–07 4th 20 12 0 8 9 57
2007–08 6th 18 7 0 11 10 39
2008–09 5th 18 9 0 9 4 40
2009–10 9th 18 5 0 13 9 29
2010–11 5th 22 12 1 9 12 62
2011–12 5th 22 12 2 8 10 62
2012–13 4th 22 15 0 7 6 66
Semi-final Lost 28–17 v Ulster
2013–14 6th 22 11 1 10 9 55
2014–15 6th 22 11 3 8 7 57
2015–16 5th 22 14 0 8 7 63
2016–17 3rd 22 17 0 5 9 77
Semi-final Won 27–15 v Leinster
Final Won 46–22 v Munster
2017–18 2nd, Conference B 21 14 1 6 12 70
Quarter-final Won 46–8 v Cheetahs
Semi-final Won 28–13 v Glasgow Warriors
Final Lost 40–32 v Leinster
2018–19 4th, Conference B 21 10 0 11 12 52
7th, Champions Cup Play-off Lost 21–10 v Ospreys
2019–20 3rd, Conference B 15[b] 10 0 5 7 47
2020–21 3rd, Conference B 16[c] 8 0 8 7 39
2021–22 10th 18 8 0 10 13 45
2022–23 14th 18 6 1 11 8 34
2023–24 13th 18 5 0 13 7 27

Pro14 Rainbow Cup

edit
Season Position/Round Played Won Drawn Lost Bonus Points
2020–21 7th 5 1 2 2 3 13

Celtic Cup

edit
Season Round Match
2003–04 Quarter-final Llanelli Scarlets 12–14 Connacht
2004–05 Quarter-final Newport Gwent Dragons 19–49 Llanelli Scarlets
Semi-final Llanelli Scarlets 23–15 Neath–Swansea Ospreys
Final Munster 27–16 Llanelli Scarlets

Heineken Cup / European Champions Cup

edit
Season Pool/Round Pos Played Won Drawn Lost Bonus Points
2003–04 Pool 4 1st 6 5 0 1 3 23
Quarter-final Llanelli Scarlets 10–27 Biarritz Olympique
2004–05 Pool 3 3rd 6 2 0 4 5 13
2005–06 Pool 6 3rd 6 2 0 4 4 12
2006–07 Pool 5 1st 6 6 0 0 3 27
Quarter-final Llanelli Scarlets 24–15 Munster
Semi-final Leicester Tigers 33–17 Llanelli Scarlets
2007–08 Pool 5 4th 6 0 0 6 0 0
2008–09 Pool 4 4th 6 1 1 4 2 8
2009–10 Pool 6 2nd 6 4 0 2 1 17
2010–11 Pool 5 3rd 6 3 0 3 3 15
2011–12 Pool 1 2nd 6 3 0 3 3 15
2012–13 Pool 5 4th 6 0 0 6 2 2
2013–14 Pool 4 3rd 6 2 1 3 1 11
2014–15 Pool 3 4th 6 2 0 4 0 8
2015–16 Pool 3 4th 6 0 0 6 2 2
2016–17 Pool 3 3rd 6 2 1 3 1 11
2017–18 Pool 5 1st 6 4 0 2 5 21
Quarter-final Scarlets 29–17 La Rochelle
Semi-final Leinster 38–16 Scarlets
2018–19 Pool 4 3rd 6 1 0 5 3 7
2020–21 Pool A 5th 2[d] 2 0 0 1 9
Round of 16 Scarlets 14–57 Sale Sharks
2021–22 Pool B 12th 4 0 1 3 0 2

European Challenge Cup

edit
Season Pool/Round Pos Played Won Drawn Lost Bonus Points
2009–10 Quarter-final Toulon 38–12 Scarlets
2011–12 Quarter-final Brive 15–11 Scarlets
2019–20 Pool 2 2nd 6 4 0 2 3 19
Quarter-final Toulon 11–6 Scarlets
2022–23 Pool B 1st 4 4 0 0 2 18
Round of 16 Scarlets 19–7 Brive
Quarter-final Scarlets 32–30 Clermont Auvergne
Semi-final Scarlets 17–35 Glasgow Warriors
2023–24 Pool 3 6th 0 0 0 4 0 0

Anglo-Welsh Cup

edit
Season Group/Round Pos Played Won Drawn Lost Bonus Points
2005–06 Group C 1st 3 3 0 0 0 12
Semi-final Llanelli Scarlets 27–26 Bath
Final London Wasps 26–10 Llanelli Scarlets
2006–07 Group C 3rd 3 1 0 2 1 5
2007–08 Group D 2nd 3 2 0 1 3 11
2008–09 Group D 2nd 3 2 0 1 0 8
2009–10 Pool 2 2nd 4 2 1 1 1 11
2010–11 Pool 3 3rd 4 2 0 2 1 9
2011–12 Pool 3 1st 4 3 0 1 3 15
Semi-final Northampton Saints 27–12 Llanelli Scarlets
2012–13 Pool 3 3rd 4 2 0 2 0 8
2013–14 Pool 4 3rd 4 2 0 2 0 8
2014–15 Pool 3 4th 4 1 0 3 1 5
2016–17 Pool 4 4th 4 1 0 3 1 5
2017–18 Pool 3 4th 4 0 0 4 1 1
  1. ^ 11 teams were involved in this season, so one team did not play each week and were awarded four points instead. Therefore, each team finished the season with eight more points than the table would seem to warrant.
  2. ^ Only 15 rounds were played during the 2019–20 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe.[109]
  3. ^ Only 16 rounds were played during the 2020–21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe, with the remaining matches replaced by the Pro14 Rainbow Cup competition.[110]
  4. ^ Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe, only two pool games were played during the 2020–21 season. The knockout stage commenced with a round of 16 consisting of the top eight teams from each pool.

Individual honours and records

edit

United Rugby Championship

edit

United Rugby Championship Team of the Year
The following Scarlets players were selected in the team of the year.

Season Players
2006–07[111] Simon Easterby, Regan King, Matthew Rees, Iestyn Thomas
2007–08 None selected
2008–09 None selected
2009–10[111] Ken Owens
2010–11[111] Jonathan Davies, Iestyn Thomas
2011–12[111] Ben Morgan
2012–13[111] Jonathan Davies, George North
2013–14[112] Gareth Davies, Samson Lee, Liam Williams
2014–15[113] Liam Williams
2015–16 None selected
2016–17[114] James Davies, Ken Owens
2017–18[115] Tadhg Beirne, Rob Evans, Hadleigh Parkes, Rhys Patchell, Aaron Shingler
2018–19[116] Ken Owens
2019–20 None selected
2020–21 None selected
2021–22 None selected
2022–23[117] Vaea Fifita
2023–24 None selected

United Rugby Championship player records

Category Player Total
Tries Steff Evans 52
Appearances Phil John 192
Points Rhys Priestland 770
Successful goal kicks Rhys Priestland 270

Updated 2 January 2024[118]

United Rugby Championship individual awards

Category Player Season Total
Top try scorer Darren Daniel, Barry Davies (joint) 2006–07 7
Gareth Davies 2013–14 10
Steff Evans 2016–17 11
Turnover king Josh Macleod 2019–20

United Rugby Championship team awards

  • 2012–13: Collision Kings[119]
  • 2017–18: Fairplay Award[120]

ERC Elite Awards

edit

For the 10th anniversary season of the Heineken Cup, ERC, the tournament organisers, introduced the ERC Elite Awards scheme to recognise and reward the players and teams who have made outstanding contributions to the tournament. The Scarlets were awarded the ERC team award for playing 50 games,[121] and Robin McBryde, John Davies, Dafydd James and Iestyn Thomas were recognised for having made 50 appearances in the competition.[122]

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c "Player Records". scarlets.co.uk. The Scarlets. Archived from the original on 8 March 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2012.
  2. ^ a b "Scarlets drop Llanelli from name". BBC Sport. 11 September 2008. Retrieved 11 September 2008.
  3. ^ "Llanelli open new home in style". BBC News. 15 November 2008. Retrieved 23 May 2010.
  4. ^ "Pro12 final: Munster 22-46 Scarlets". BBC Sport. 27 May 2017. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
  5. ^ "WRU drops provincial bombshell". BBC Sport. 20 February 2003. Retrieved 5 December 2006.
  6. ^ "Moffett scraps northern expansion". BBC Sport. 8 January 2003. Retrieved 5 December 2006.
  7. ^ "Layman's guide to Welsh rugby's crisis". BBC Sport. 12 March 2003. Retrieved 5 December 2006.
  8. ^ "Scarlets launch regional vision". BBC Sport. 7 July 2003. Retrieved 5 December 2006.
  9. ^ "Scarlets staying put". Wales Online. 8 June 2006. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  10. ^ "Scarlets away kit to be inspired by region's history". BBC News. 14 August 2018. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  11. ^ "Scarlets unveil Davies as coach". BBC Sport. 14 August 2006. Retrieved 5 December 2006.
  12. ^ "Scarlets 'saved' by new investor". BBC Sport. 28 November 2006. Retrieved 5 December 2006.
  13. ^ "Scarlets turn to Nigel Davies". 14 May 2008. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
  14. ^ "Scarlets win on Stradey farewell". BBC Sport. 24 October 2008. Retrieved 18 November 2008.
  15. ^ "Scarlets 16–18 Munster". BBC Sport. 28 November 2008. Retrieved 26 December 2008.
  16. ^ Roberts, Gareth (12 December 2008). "Scarlets 16–16 Ulster". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 December 2008.
  17. ^ "Scarlets exit Amlin Challenge Cup with quarter-final defeat at Brive". The Guardian. 8 April 2012. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  18. ^ "Simon Easterby is appointed the new Scarlets coach". BBC Sport. 2 June 2012. Retrieved 12 October 2012.
  19. ^ "Welsh regions included in Premiership Sevens Series". BBC Sport. 21 May 2014. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
  20. ^ "Scarlets announce Wayne Pivac will take over as head coach as Simon Easterby pursues new role with Irish national team". Wales Online. 12 August 2014. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
  21. ^ "Stephen Jones returning to Scarlets as Mark Jones moves on". Welsh Rugby Union. 12 January 2015. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  22. ^ "Pro12: Leinster 15-27 Scarlets". BBC Sport. 19 May 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  23. ^ "Pro12 final: Munster 22-46 Scarlets". BBC Sport. 27 May 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  24. ^ "Scarlets 29-17 La Rochelle: Wayne Pivac's men book Champions Cup semi-final spot". Sky Sports. 30 March 2018. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  25. ^ "European Champions Cup: Leinster 38-16 Scarlets". BBC Sport. 21 April 2018. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  26. ^ "Pro14 final: Leinster 40-32 Scarlets". BBC Sport. 26 May 2018. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  27. ^ "Wayne Pivac to succeed Gatland as new Wales coach after the World Cup". The Guardian. 9 July 2018. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  28. ^ "Brad Mooar to replace Pivac as Scarlets head coach". ITV News. 3 December 2018. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  29. ^ Thomas, Simon (11 July 2018). "Project Reset uncovered: confidential new Welsh rugby deal changes everything". WalesOnline. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  30. ^ "Scarlets-Ospreys merger talks to be held". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  31. ^ "WRU drops provincial bombshell". 20 February 2003. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  32. ^ "Scarlets-Ospreys merger 'off the table'". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  33. ^ "Scarlets: Glenn Delaney promoted to head coach role". BBC Sport. 6 February 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  34. ^ "Delaney excited for Peel's Scarlets return". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  35. ^ "Peel to join Blues staff from Ulster". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  36. ^ "Young back at Blues as Mulvihill leaves". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  37. ^ "Scarlets appoint Peel as head coach". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  38. ^ "Head coach Delaney leaves Scarlets". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  39. ^ "Hogan signs at Scarlets as Whiffin exits". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  40. ^ "Wales assistant coach Williams joins Scarlets". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  41. ^ "Flanagan named new Dragons head coach". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  42. ^ "Blackett joins Scarlets following Wasps exit". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  43. ^ Green, Olly (18 November 2022). "Scarlets sign Wales prop Wainwright". European Professional Club Rugby. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  44. ^ "Scarlets hit Cheetahs for six in Challenge Cup". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  45. ^ "Scarlets beat Bayonne to maintain perfect record". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  46. ^ "Scarlets dig deep to beat Bulls in thriller". Scarlets. 26 January 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  47. ^ Coleman-Phillips, Ceri (27 January 2023). "United Rugby Championship: Scarlets 37-28 Bulls - Impressive hosts win with bonus point". BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  48. ^ "Scarlets turn on the style against Edinburgh". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  49. ^ "Munster beat spirited Scarlets in 13-try thriller". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  50. ^ "Evans and Costelow help Scarlets stun Sharks". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  51. ^ "'Magic' Fifita try helps Scarlets edge out Brive". BBC Sport. 30 March 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  52. ^ Orders, Mark (20 September 2020). "Scarlets bow out of Challenge Cup after gusty display against Toulon". WalesOnline. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  53. ^ "Costelow conversion sees Scarlets beat Clermont". BBC Sport. 7 April 2023. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
  54. ^ "Glasgow book first Europe final with Scarlets win". BBC Sport. 29 April 2023. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
  55. ^ Thomas, Steffan (16 December 2022). "Welsh regions to slash squad sizes and salary cap planned for long-term survival". WalesOnline. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
  56. ^ "Scarlets confirm 2022-23 player departures". Scarlets Rugby. 21 April 2023. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
  57. ^ "Dragons announce signing of versatile back Baldwin". BBC Sport. 3 May 2023. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
  58. ^ Davies, Mathew (11 May 2023). "Eddie Jones poaches Scarlets coach in overnight announcement". WalesOnline. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
  59. ^ "Lee Blackett to join Bath for next season". Scarlets Rugby. 2 May 2023. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
  60. ^ a b c "Scarlets reveal coaching team for 2023-24 season". Scarlets Rugby. 2 June 2023. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  61. ^ "Which Welsh rugby players are moving where?". BBC Sport. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
  62. ^ "New deals for second rows Jac Price and Morgan Jones". Scarlets Rugby. 21 April 2023. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
  63. ^ "Centre trio sign new Scarlets contracts". BBC Sport. 19 April 2023. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
  64. ^ a b "Props Wainwright and Mathias commit to Scarlets". BBC Sport. 20 April 2023. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
  65. ^ "Wales hooker Elias signs new Scarlets contract". BBC Sport. 14 April 2023. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
  66. ^ Thomas, Steffan (30 December 2022). "Scarlets in danger of losing Wales hooker Elias to French giants". WalesOnline. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
  67. ^ "Scarlets sign Wales-qualified forward Plumtree". BBC Sport. 30 July 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
  68. ^ "Wales name Plumtree in World Cup training squad". BBC Sport. 4 July 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
  69. ^ "Scarlets sign ex-London Irish lock Scragg". BBC Sport. 30 June 2023. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  70. ^ "Scarlets sign title-winning Loughborough students". BBC Sport. 15 June 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
  71. ^ James, Ben (2 December 2023). "Scarlets beat Cardiff as first-half red card hurts home side in tight derby". Wales Online. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  72. ^ Thomas, Steffan (4 November 2023). "Scarlets get season back on track with big win over rivals Cardiff". Wales Online. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  73. ^ James, Ben (17 May 2024). "Scarlets secure first league win outside of Wales in over two years". Wales Online. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  74. ^ "European Challenge Cup: Scarlets 19-31 Edinburgh - Visitors romp into knockouts as Scarlets suffer". BBC Sport. 18 January 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  75. ^ James, Ben (1 June 2024). "Scarlets end season on a high with Judgement Day win amid Wales injury concern". Wales Online. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  76. ^ "Scarlets remove Gareth Williams as defence coach". BBC Sport. 19 February 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  77. ^ "Samson Lee: Scarlets and Wales prop retires aged 31 due to injury". BBC Sport. 14 December 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  78. ^ "Johnny McNicholl: Wales back rejoins Crusaders after leaving Scarlets". BBC Sport. 1 March 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  79. ^ "Ken Owens: Scarlets, Wales and Lions hooker retires aged 37". BBC Sport. 17 April 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  80. ^ James, Ben (9 May 2024). "Fifteen players leave Scarlets as another Lions star exits". Wales Online. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  81. ^ "Llanelli RFC - History". Llanelli RFC. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
  82. ^ Griffiths, Gareth (17 June 2016). "Scarlets host first match in North Wales for 11 years with Bath pre-season clash". Wales Online. Retrieved 1 February 2019.
  83. ^ "Scarlets unveil new stadium name". BBC Sport. 20 May 2008. Retrieved 20 May 2008.
  84. ^ "Scarlets stadium work goes online". BBC News. 7 April 2008. Retrieved 20 May 2008.
  85. ^ "Llanelli open new home in style". BBC Sport. 15 November 2008. Retrieved 26 December 2008.
  86. ^ "The new Llanelli Scarlets stadium". scarlets.co.uk. The Scarlets. 15 February 2008. Archived from the original on 19 February 2008. Retrieved 18 February 2008.
  87. ^ "Squad". Scarlets Rugby. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  88. ^ "Academy". Scarlets. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
  89. ^ "Davies named captain Scarlet". BBC Sport. 24 July 2002. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  90. ^ "Wales' regional teams". BBC Sport. 28 July 2003. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  91. ^ Davies, Sean (26 August 2004). "Season preview: Llanelli Scarlets". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  92. ^ "Scarlets hand captaincy to Jones". BBC Sport. 7 July 2009. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  93. ^ "Matthew Rees captain in Scarlets triumvirate". BBC Sport. 13 August 2010. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  94. ^ "Rob McCusker succeeds Matthew Rees as Scarlets' new captain". BBC Sport. 2 July 2012. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  95. ^ "2013 Lion Davies made Scarlets joint captain with McCusker". BBC Sport. 22 August 2013. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  96. ^ "Wales international Ken Owens appointed Scarlets captain". BBC Sport. 20 August 2014. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  97. ^ "Jonathan Davies: Wales centre replaces Ken Owens as Scarlets captain". BBC Sport. 21 September 2009. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  98. ^ "Josh Macleod named Scarlets skipper". Scarlets Rugby. 16 October 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  99. ^ "Scarlets Lions". scarlets.co.uk. The Scarlets. Archived from the original on 4 May 2009. Retrieved 30 June 2009.
  100. ^ "Management". Scarlets Rugby. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
  101. ^ "Academy Management". Scarlets Rugby. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
  102. ^ a b "Scarlets unveil Davies as coach". BBC News. 14 August 2006.
  103. ^ a b "Nigel Davies named as Gloucester coach after leaving Scarlets". BBC Sport. 2 June 2012. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
  104. ^ "Scarlets confirm Wayne Pivac appointment as head coach". BBC Sport. 12 August 2014. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  105. ^ "Scarlets: New coach Brad Mooar aiming to 'dominate competitions'". BBC Sport. 14 August 2019. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  106. ^ "Scarlets appoint Glenn Delaney as next head coach". Welsh Rugby Union. 6 February 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  107. ^ "Glenn Delaney: Head coach leaves Scarlets with immediate effect". BBC Sport. 8 May 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  108. ^ "Dwayne Peel: Former Wales scrum-half to take charge of Scarlets next season". BBC Sport. 13 May 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  109. ^ "Pro14 restart: 2019-20 season resumes with derby weekends". BBC Sport. 22 July 2020. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
  110. ^ "Guinness PRO14 to Conclude in March Ahead of Rainbow Cup with South Africa's Super Teams". pro14.rugby. Retrieved 24 December 2020.
  111. ^ a b c d e "2013 RaboDirect PRO12 Dream Team Has Lions Flavour". pro12rugby.com. Archived from the original on 13 July 2015.
  112. ^ "RaboDirect PRO12 Dream Team". RaboDirect PRO12. 5 May 2014. Archived from the original on 6 May 2014. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  113. ^ "GUINNESS PRO12 Awards 2014/15". pro12rugby.com. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  114. ^ "PRO12 Dream Team revealed". Planet Rugby. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  115. ^ Lawton, Andrew (20 August 2018). "Winners celebrated at 2018 Guinness Pro14 Awards in Glasgow". Guinness PRO14.
  116. ^ "Guinness PRO14 Dream Team Revealed on Premier Sports & eir sport". GuinnessPro14. 23 May 2019. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  117. ^ "URC Awards: 2022/23 Elite XV Has Been Named". United Rugby Championship. 11 May 2023. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
  118. ^ "United rugby championship - Players stats". It's Rugby. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  119. ^ "Ulster dominate Pro12 awards". Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  120. ^ "Winners celebrated at 2018 Guinness Pro14 awards in Glasgow". Pro14. 20 August 2018. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
  121. ^ "ERC Elite Awards". 16 January 2004.
  122. ^ "ERC : Elite Awards : 50 Tournament Caps". Archived from the original on 26 December 2010.
edit