Scarlets

{{For|background on the formation of regional rugby|Welsh regional rugby}}

File:WalesRugbyRegions.png

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.{{cite news |title=WRU drops provincial bombshell |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/celtic/2547339.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=20 February 2003 |access-date=5 December 2006 }} 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.{{cite news |title=Moffett scraps northern expansion |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/celtic/2639325.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=8 January 2003 |access-date=5 December 2006 }} Eventually, Llanelli and Cardiff were allowed to remain independent.{{cite news |title=Layman's guide to Welsh rugby's crisis |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/2845137.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=12 March 2003 |access-date=5 December 2006 }} The Llanelli Scarlets brand was officially launched on 7 July 2003.{{cite news |title=Scarlets launch regional vision |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/3051870.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=7 July 2003 |access-date=5 December 2006 }}

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.{{cite news |title=Scarlets staying put |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/scarlets-staying-put-2332279 |work=Wales Online |date=8 June 2006 |access-date=29 March 2021 }} As of 2018, the Scarlets consider their region to represent the three counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-45172501 |title=Scarlets away kit to be inspired by region's history |date=14 August 2018 |website=BBC News |access-date=14 December 2018}}

{{For|history of pre-2003 Llanelli rugby|Llanelli RFC}}

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.

File:Magners League Scarlets Vs. Glasgow.jpg 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.

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.{{cite news |title=Scarlets unveil Davies as coach |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/4790797.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=14 August 2006 |access-date=5 December 2006 }}

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.{{cite news |title=Scarlets 'saved' by new investor |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/llanelli_scarlets/6191096.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=28 November 2006 |access-date=5 December 2006 }}

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.

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.{{cite web |date=14 May 2008 |title=Scarlets turn to Nigel Davies |url=https://www.planetrugby.com/scarlets-turn-to-nigel-davies |access-date=12 October 2022}}

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.{{cite news |title=Scarlets win on Stradey farewell |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/llanelli_scarlets/7685886.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=24 October 2008 |access-date=18 November 2008 }}

The Scarlets' first match at their new home was an 18–16 Celtic League defeat to Munster on 28 November 2008.{{cite news |title=Scarlets 16–18 Munster |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/7750812.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=28 November 2008 |access-date=26 December 2008 }} Their first Heineken Cup match at Parc y Scarlets was held on 12 December against Ulster and finished in a 16–16 draw.{{cite news |title=Scarlets 16–16 Ulster |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7777554.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=12 December 2008 |access-date=26 December 2008 |first=Gareth |last=Roberts}} 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.

File:Scarlets lineout.JPG 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.{{Cite news |date=8 April 2012|title=Scarlets exit Amlin Challenge Cup with quarter-final defeat at Brive |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/apr/08/brive-scarlets-amlin-challenge-cup |access-date=2 April 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}

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.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/18304544 |title=Simon Easterby is appointed the new Scarlets coach |website=BBC Sport |date=2 June 2012 |access-date=12 October 2012}}

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.{{cite news |title=Welsh regions included in Premiership Sevens Series |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/27502315 |website=BBC Sport |date=21 May 2014 |access-date=23 March 2015 }}

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.{{cite news |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/scarlets-announce-wayne-pivac-take-7602454 |title=Scarlets announce Wayne Pivac will take over as head coach as Simon Easterby pursues new role with Irish national team |website=Wales Online |date=12 August 2014 |access-date=12 October 2022 }}

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.wru.wales/2015/01/stephen-jones-returning-to-scarlets-as-mark-jones-moves-on/|title=Stephen Jones returning to Scarlets as Mark Jones moves on|date=12 January 2015|access-date=14 October 2022|publisher=Welsh Rugby Union}}

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.allwalessport.co.uk/rugby-union.aspx?cid=10673|title=Pro12: Leinster 15-27 Scarlets|website=BBC Sport|date=19 May 2017|access-date=October 14, 2022}} The Scarlets beat Munster in the final with an emphatic 46–22 win.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/40056082|title=Pro12 final: Munster 22-46 Scarlets|website=BBC Sport|date=27 May 2017|access-date=14 October 2022}} This was the Scarlets second title, their first having come in 2004 during the first Celtic League season.

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/scarlets-vs-la-rochelle/86387|title=Scarlets 29-17 La Rochelle: Wayne Pivac's men book Champions Cup semi-final spot|date=30 March 2018|access-date=14 October 2022|website=Sky Sports}} The Scarlets fell short of the final, losing to eventual winners Leinster in their semi-final.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/43795196|title=European Champions Cup: Leinster 38-16 Scarlets|date=21 April 2018|access-date=14 October 2022|website=BBC Sport}}

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/44252575|title=Pro14 final: Leinster 40-32 Scarlets|date=26 May 2018|access-date=14 October 2022|website=BBC Sport}}

Wayne Pivac was announced as Warren Gatland's successor as Wales coach after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.{{cite news|title=Wayne Pivac to succeed Gatland as new Wales coach after the World Cup|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jul/09/wayne-pivac-to-succeed-gatland-as-new-wales-rugby-union-coach-after-the-world-cup|website=The Guardian|date=9 July 2018|access-date=14 October 2022}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2018-12-03/brad-mooar-to-replace-pivac-as-scarlets-head-coach|title=Brad Mooar to replace Pivac as Scarlets head coach|date=3 December 2018|access-date=14 October 2022|website=ITV News}}

{{main|Project Reset (Welsh Rugby Union reform)}}

In 2018, the Welsh Rugby Union sought to reform club rugby in Wales.{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Simon |date=11 July 2018 |title=Project Reset uncovered: confidential new Welsh rugby deal changes everything |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/project-reset-uncovered-confidential-new-14896396 |access-date=2 April 2023 |website=WalesOnline }} 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.{{Cite news |title=Scarlets-Ospreys merger talks to be held |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/47443612 |access-date=2 April 2023}} 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.{{Cite news |date=20 February 2003 |title=WRU drops provincial bombshell |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/celtic/2547339.stm |access-date=2 April 2023}} 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.{{Cite news |title=Scarlets-Ospreys merger 'off the table' |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/47461662 |access-date=2 April 2023}}

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/51351287|title=Scarlets: Glenn Delaney promoted to head coach role|website=BBC Sport|date=6 February 2020|access-date=14 October 2022}}

Former Scarlets Dwayne Peel was announced as head coach for the forthcoming season, with Delaney moving to a Director of Rugby role.{{Cite news |title=Delaney excited for Peel's Scarlets return |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56834022 |access-date=20 December 2022}} Peel was at the time contracted to join Cardiff Blues for the following season, as an assistant coach responsible for attack.{{Cite news |title=Peel to join Blues staff from Ulster |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/55226951 |access-date=2 April 2023}} 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.{{Cite news |title=Young back at Blues as Mulvihill leaves |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/55580051 |access-date=2 April 2023}} 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.{{Cite news |title=Scarlets appoint Peel as head coach |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/56803887 |access-date=2 April 2023 }}

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.{{Cite news |title=Head coach Delaney leaves Scarlets |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57044039 |access-date=20 December 2022}}

Ahead of the 2021–22 United Rugby Championship, Leinster skills coach Hugh Hogan was brought in as defence coach.{{Cite news |title=Hogan signs at Scarlets as Whiffin exits |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57930167 |access-date=20 December 2022}} 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.{{Cite news |title=Wales assistant coach Williams joins Scarlets |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/62427230 |access-date=20 December 2022}}

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.{{Cite news |title=Flanagan named new Dragons head coach |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/61877976 |access-date=20 December 2022}}

Following their collapse in October 2022, Wasps head coach Lee Blackett joined as backs coach for the remainder of the season.{{Cite news |title=Blackett joins Scarlets following Wasps exit |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/63478530 |access-date=20 December 2022}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Green |first=Olly |date=18 November 2022 |title=Scarlets sign Wales prop Wainwright |url=https://www.epcrugby.com/2022/11/18/scarlets-sign-wales-prop-wainwright/ |access-date=2 April 2023 |website=European Professional Club Rugby }} 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.{{Cite news |title=Scarlets hit Cheetahs for six in Challenge Cup |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/64011482 |access-date=20 December 2022}} 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.{{Cite news |title=Scarlets beat Bayonne to maintain perfect record |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/64343411 |access-date=2 April 2023}} 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.{{Cite news |title=Scarlets dig deep to beat Bulls in thriller |url=https://www.scarlets.wales/report/262102/ |publisher=Scarlets |date=26 January 2023 |access-date=2 April 2023 }}{{cite news |first=Ceri |last=Coleman-Phillips |title=United Rugby Championship: Scarlets 37-28 Bulls - Impressive hosts win with bonus point |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/64412902 |website=BBC Sport |date=27 January 2023 |access-date=22 March 2023 }}

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.{{Cite news |title=Scarlets turn on the style against Edinburgh |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/64673564 |access-date=2 April 2023}}{{Cite news |title=Munster beat spirited Scarlets in 13-try thriller |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/64839583 |work=BBC Sport |access-date=2 April 2023}} 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.{{Cite news |title=Evans and Costelow help Scarlets stun Sharks |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/65062335 |access-date=2 April 2023}} The Scarlets made their way into the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup, after beating Brive 19–7, facing ASM Clermont Auvergne at home.{{Cite web |title='Magic' Fifita try helps Scarlets edge out Brive |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/65124308 |website=BBC Sport |date=30 March 2023 |access-date=2 April 2023 }} This was the Scarlets first European quarter-final fixture since the 2019–20 season.{{Cite web |last=Orders |first=Mark |date=20 September 2020 |title=Scarlets bow out of Challenge Cup after gusty display against Toulon |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/scarlets-toulon-live-score-updates-18964360 |access-date=2 April 2023 |website=WalesOnline }} 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.{{Cite news |date=7 April 2023 |title=Costelow conversion sees Scarlets beat Clermont |language= |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/65198402 |access-date=8 April 2023}} The Scarlets lost the resultant semi-final, their final match of the season.{{Cite news |date=29 April 2023 |title=Glasgow book first Europe final with Scarlets win |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/65423709 |access-date=11 May 2023}}

The squad saw fifteen players leave the club, owing to the reduced salary caps imposed by the WRU.{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Steffan |date=16 December 2022 |title=Welsh regions to slash squad sizes and salary cap planned for long-term survival |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/welsh-regions-cut-squad-sizes-25766572 |access-date=11 May 2023 |website=WalesOnline |language=en}} Notable departures included Rhys Patchell, Leigh Halfpenny, and Aaron Shingler, who spent his entire professional career with the club.{{Cite web |date=21 April 2023 |title=Scarlets confirm 2022-23 player departures |url=https://www.scarlets.wales/article/scarlets-confirm-2022-23-player-departures/ |access-date=11 May 2023 |website=Scarlets Rugby |language=en-US}} Corey Baldwin and Dane Blacker were both released, and subsequently signed for the Dragons.{{Cite news |date=3 May 2023 |title=Dragons announce signing of versatile back Baldwin |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/65471677? |access-date=11 May 2023}} In the backroom, Nigel Ashley-Jones departed the club after two seasons to join Eddie Jones with the Australia national rugby union team.{{Cite web |last=Davies |first=Mathew |date=11 May 2023 |title=Eddie Jones poaches Scarlets coach in overnight announcement |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/eddie-jones-poaches-scarlets-coach-26889088 |access-date=11 May 2023 |website=WalesOnline |language=en}} Lee Blackett left following his short-term agreement with the club, joining Bath Rugby.{{Cite web |date=2 May 2023 |title=Lee Blackett to join Bath for next season |url=https://www.scarlets.wales/article/lee-blackett-to-join-bath-for-next-season/ |access-date=11 May 2023 |website=Scarlets Rugby |language=en-US}} Forwards coach Ben Franks returned to New Zealand.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-02 |title=Scarlets reveal coaching team for 2023-24 season |url=https://www.scarlets.wales/article/scarlets-reveal-coaching-team-for-2023-24-season/ |access-date=2023-06-15 |website=Scarlets Rugby |language=en-US}}

Joining the club were Welsh international Ioan Lloyd from Bristol Bears, and former Scarlet Tomi Lewis returning from Jersey Reds.{{Cite news |title=Which Welsh rugby players are moving where? |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/64814831 |access-date=11 May 2023}} 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.{{Cite web |date=21 April 2023 |title=New deals for second rows Jac Price and Morgan Jones |url=https://www.scarlets.wales/article/new-deals-for-second-rows-jac-price-and-morgan-jones/ |access-date=11 May 2023 |website=Scarlets Rugby |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |date=19 April 2023 |title=Centre trio sign new Scarlets contracts |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/65326101 |access-date=11 May 2023}}{{Cite news |date=20 April 2023 |title=Props Wainwright and Mathias commit to Scarlets |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/65339810 |access-date=2023-05-11}} Sam Wainwright signed a full contract, following on from his short-term deal. Hooker Ryan Elias signed an extension, despite interest from abroad.{{Cite news |date=14 April 2023 |title=Wales hooker Elias signs new Scarlets contract |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/65261855 |access-date=11 May 2023}}{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Steffan |date=30 December 2022 |title=Scarlets in danger of losing Wales hooker Elias to French giants |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/top-french-english-clubs-target-25861783 |access-date=11 May 2023 |website=WalesOnline |language=en}} 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.{{Cite news |date=30 July 2023 |title=Scarlets sign Wales-qualified forward Plumtree |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/66032201 |access-date=2023-07-30}}{{Cite news |date=4 July 2023 |title=Wales name Plumtree in World Cup training squad |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/66077971 |access-date=30 July 2023}} Added to the restructured Scarlets academy were lock Ed Scragg, and Loughborough duo Charlie Titcombe and Teddy Leatherbarrow.{{Cite news |date=30 June 2023 |title=Scarlets sign ex-London Irish lock Scragg |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/66052178 |access-date=20 July 2023}}{{Cite news |date=15 June 2023 |title=Scarlets sign title-winning Loughborough students |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/65916582 |access-date=30 July 2023}}

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

Few wins were seen during the season, the highlights being a home and away win against local rivals Cardiff,{{Cite web |last=James |first=Ben |date=2023-12-02 |title=Scarlets beat Cardiff as first-half red card hurts home side in tight derby |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/cardiff-v-scarlets-live-kick-28216298 |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=Wales Online |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Steffan |date=2023-11-04 |title=Scarlets get season back on track with big win over rivals Cardiff |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/scarlets-v-cardiff-live-kick-28045142 |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=Wales Online |language=en}} and earning a first win outside of Wales with a victory over Zebre Parma.{{Cite web |last=James |first=Ben |date=2024-05-17 |title=Scarlets secure first league win outside of Wales in over two years |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/scarlets-secure-first-win-outside-29195604 |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=Wales Online |language=en}} In the Challenge Cup, they lost every match, and failed to earn a single point on the table.{{Cite news |date=2024-01-18 |title=European Challenge Cup: Scarlets 19-31 Edinburgh - Visitors romp into knockouts as Scarlets suffer |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/67979451 |access-date=2024-06-01 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} They finished the season with a win, in the annual Judgement Day fixture against the Dragons.{{Cite web |last=James |first=Ben |date=2024-06-01 |title=Scarlets end season on a high with Judgement Day win amid Wales injury concern |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/scarlets-v-dragons-live-kick-29276866 |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=Wales Online |language=en}}

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.{{Cite news |date=2024-02-19 |title=Scarlets remove Gareth Williams as defence coach |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/68300309 |access-date=2024-06-01 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} Samson Lee announced his retirement mid-season, having failed to fully recover from a long-standing injury.{{Cite news |date=2023-12-14 |title=Samson Lee: Scarlets and Wales prop retires aged 31 due to injury |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/67681506 |access-date=2024-06-01 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} Johnny McNicholl was released early to return home to New Zealand, joining the Crusaders as cover for former Scarlet Leigh Halfpenny.{{Cite news |date=2024-03-01 |title=Johnny McNicholl: Wales back rejoins Crusaders after leaving Scarlets |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/68410711 |access-date=2024-06-01 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} 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.{{Cite news |date=2024-04-17 |title=Ken Owens: Scarlets, Wales and Lions hooker retires aged 37 |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/68822099 |access-date=2024-06-01 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}

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.{{Cite web |last=James |first=Ben |date=2024-05-09 |title=Fifteen players leave Scarlets as another Lions star exits |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/fifteen-players-leave-scarlets-another-29140885 |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=Wales Online |language=en}}

{{multiple image

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| image2 = Scarlets logo.svg

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| caption2 = 2008–

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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.{{cite web |url=http://www.llanellirfc.co.uk/125-2 |title=Llanelli RFC - History |website=Llanelli RFC |access-date=4 October 2022}} 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.

File:Parc y Scarlets.jpg]]

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.{{Cite news |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/scarlets-host-first-match-north-11489556 |title=Scarlets host first match in North Wales for 11 years with Bath pre-season clash |last=Griffiths |first=Gareth |date=17 June 2016 |work=Wales Online |access-date=1 February 2019 }} 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 ({{langx|en|Scarlets Park}}),{{cite news |title=Scarlets unveil new stadium name |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/llanelli_scarlets/7410473.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=20 May 2008 |access-date=20 May 2008 }} is in Pemberton. The new stadium cost £23 million to be constructed and holds 14,340 spectators.{{cite news |title=Scarlets stadium work goes online |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_west/7334454.stm |website=BBC News |date=7 April 2008 |access-date=20 May 2008 }} The first game held at the stadium saw Llanelli RFC play Cardiff RFC on 15 November 2008.{{cite news |title=Llanelli open new home in style |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/llanelli_scarlets/7727220.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=15 November 2008 |access-date=26 December 2008 }} 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 {{convert|20|m}} 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.{{cite web |url=http://www.scarlets.co.uk/stadium/ |title=The new Llanelli Scarlets stadium |access-date=18 February 2008 |date=15 February 2008 |work=scarlets.co.uk |publisher=The Scarlets |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080219234519/http://www.scarlets.co.uk/stadium/ |archive-date=19 February 2008 }}

{{For|player movements before or during the 2024–25 season|List of 2024–25 United Rugby Championship transfers#Scarlets}}

{{See also|Category: Scarlets players}}

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

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

Stephen Jones was also selected for the 2005 Lions tour while playing for Clermont Auvergne, while George North was also selected for the 2017 tour while playing for Northampton Saints. 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.{{cite web|title=Scarlets Lions |url=http://www.scarlets.co.uk/the-region/lions.aspx |work=scarlets.co.uk |publisher=The Scarlets |access-date=30 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090504170953/http://www.scarlets.co.uk/the-region/lions.aspx |archive-date=4 May 2009 }} Gareth Davies was brought into the 2017 Lions squad as injury cover towards the end of the tour, but did not play in any games.{{cite web |title=British & Irish Lions call-ups|url=https://www.lionsrugby.com/2017/06/17/british-irish-lions-call-ups/ |website=British & Irish Lions |date=17 June 2017|access-date=17 December 2024}}

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

{{div col|colwidth=19em}}

• {{flagicon|WAL}} Josh Adams
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Jake Ball
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Lee Byrne
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Aled Davies
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Jonathan Davies
• {{flagicon|WAL}} John Davies
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Leigh Davies
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Rob Evans
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Leigh Halfpenny
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Kieran Hardy
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Dafydd James
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Dafydd Jones
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Mark Jones
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Rhodri Jones
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Stephen Jones
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Wyn Jones
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Samson Lee
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Robin McBryde
• {{flagicon|WAL}} George North
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Ken Owens
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Hadleigh Parkes
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Rhys Patchell
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Dwayne Peel
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Mike Phillips
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Alix Popham
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Andy Powell
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Rhys Priestland
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Scott Quinnell
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Matthew Rees
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Aaron Shingler
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Mark Taylor
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Gareth Thomas
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Gavin Thomas
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Iestyn Thomas
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Liam Williams
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Scott Williams
• {{flagicon|WAL}} Chris Wyatt
• {{flagicon|ARG}} Tomás Lezana
• {{flagicon|AUS}} David Lyons
• {{flagicon|CAN}} Jon Thiel
• {{flagicon|CAN}} D. T. H. van der Merwe
• {{flagicon|ENG}} Olly Barkley
• {{flagicon|ENG}} Ben Morgan
• {{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Tadhg Beirne
• {{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Guy Easterby
• {{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Simon Easterby
• {{flagicon|NZL}} Dave Hewett
• {{flagicon|NZL}} Kees Meeuws
• {{flagicon|ROM}} Horațiu Pungea
• {{flagicon|SAM}} Mahonri Schwalger
• {{flagicon|SCO}} John Barclay
• {{flagicon|SCO}} Bruce Douglas
• {{flagicon|SCO}} Sean Lamont
• {{flagicon|SCO}} Scott Macleod
• {{flagicon|South Africa}} Herschel Jantjies
• {{flagicon|TGA}} Inoke Afeaki
• {{flagicon|TGA}} Viliame Iongi
• {{flagicon|TGA}} Sione Kalamafoni
• {{flagicon|TGA}} Sililo Martens
• {{flagicon|USA}} Mike Hercus
• {{flagicon|USA}} Dave Hodges

{{div col end}}

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}

• 2003–04 Llanelli Scarlets season
• 2004–05 Llanelli Scarlets season
• 2005–06 Llanelli Scarlets season
• 2006–07 Llanelli Scarlets season
• 2007–08 Llanelli Scarlets season
• 2008–09 Scarlets season
• 2009–10 Scarlets season
• 2010–11 Scarlets season
• 2011–12 Scarlets season
• 2012–13 Scarlets season
• 2013–14 Scarlets season
• 2014–15 Scarlets season
• 2015–16 Scarlets season
• 2016–17 Scarlets season
• 2017–18 Scarlets season
• 2018–19 Scarlets season
• 2019–20 Scarlets season
• 2020–21 Scarlets season
• 2021–22 Scarlets season
• 2022–23 Scarlets season
• 2023–24 Scarlets season
• 2024–25 Scarlets season

{{div col end}}

• Celtic League/Pro12/Pro14:
• Winners: 2003–04, 2016–17
• Runners-up: 2017–18
• United Rugby Championship Welsh Shield
• Runners-up: 2021–22, 2023–24, 2024–25
• Celtic Cup
• Runners-up: 2004–05
• Anglo-Welsh Cup
• Runners-up: 2005–06

{{reflist|group=n}}

{{notelist-la}}

United Rugby Championship Team of the Year

The following Scarlets players were selected in the team of the year.

United Rugby Championship player records

Updated 28 April 2025{{cite web |title=United rugby championship - Players stats|url=https://www.itsrugby.co.uk/stats-players-unitedrugbychampionship.html |website=It's Rugby |access-date=2 January 2024}}

United Rugby Championship individual awards

United Rugby Championship team awards

• 2012–13: Collision Kings{{Cite web |title=Ulster dominate Pro12 awards |url=https://www.irishrugby.ie/2013/05/05/ulster-dominate-pro12-awards/ |access-date=2 April 2023 }}
• 2017–18: Fairplay Award{{cite web |title=Winners celebrated at 2018 Guinness Pro14 awards in Glasgow |url=https://www.pro14rugby.org/2018/08/20/winners-celebrated-at-2018-guinness-pro14-awards-in-glasgow/ |work=Pro14 |date=20 August 2018 |access-date=17 April 2019}}

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,{{cite web|url=https://www.epcrugby.com/2004/01/16/erc-elite-awards-4/|title=ERC Elite Awards|date=16 January 2004}} and Robin McBryde, John Davies, Dafydd James and Iestyn Thomas were recognised for having made 50 appearances in the competition.{{cite web|url=http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/elite/fifty_tournament_caps.php|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226192251/http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/elite/fifty_tournament_caps.php|archive-date=26 December 2010|title=ERC : Elite Awards : 50 Tournament Caps}}

• Llanelli RFC
• Scarlet FM

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• {{Official website|https://www.scarlets.wales/}}
• [http://wru.co.uk/71_178.php Scarlets] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070213222855/http://www.wru.co.uk/71_178.php |date=13 February 2007 }} on WRU.co.uk
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070226212025/http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/southwest/sites/sport/pages/scarlets.shtml Scarlets] on BBC.co.uk
• [http://www.scarletfever.org/forum/ Scarlets Forum]

{{Scarlets}}

{{Scarlets squad}}

{{United Rugby Championship}}

{{Rugby union in Wales}}

{{European Rugby Challenge Cup}}

Category:Rugby union teams in Wales

Category:United Rugby Championship teams

Category:Rugby clubs established in 2003

Category:Sport in Llanelli

Category:2003 establishments in Wales