Nigel Davies has been appointed Scarlets head coach on a two-year deal running until 2028, marking his return to professional rugby after more than a decade away. The former Wales centre last coached at Gloucester in 2014 before stepping away from the game. His appointment comes as the Welsh Rugby Union prepares to reduce professional teams from four to three by 2028.

Davies inherits a squad already strengthened with seven players selected for Wales' summer squad. The signings include prop Corey Domachowski from Cardiff, Cullen Grace from Crusaders, and Isaac Murray-MacGregor from Canterbury. Scarlets have also secured contract extensions for forwards Fletcher Anderson, Josh Macleod, and Sam Lousi, along with former Wales scrum-half Gareth Davies.

The coaching staff has been rebuilt alongside the playing roster. Eamon O'Carroll joins from St Helens as defence coach to replace Jared Payne, while Aaron Dundon arrives from Leinster to take charge of the forwards. Davies emphasized the alignment of all rugby program elements behind one clear vision.

Scarlets open their 2026-27 URC campaign at home against Cardiff on September 26, followed by a trip to Dragons in round two. The appointment represents a significant shift as the club prepares for Welsh rugby's restructuring era.