Leigh Jones: Scarlets appoint new performance director

Scarlets have appointed Leigh Jones as their new performance director.

Hugely experienced at club and international level, Jones will work alongside head coach Dwayne Peel who will continue to have full responsibility for all team matters on the field.

The 64-year-old’s most recent post was leading rugby operations for Leicester Tigers, including being part of the team that saw them win the Gallagher Premiership in 2022.

“It is a privilege to join the Scarlets,” said Jones.

“It is a club with such a rich and successful heritage in rugby and one known and respected globally for developing some of Wales’ best players over the decades.

“The exciting part is there are more talented Scarlets players to come through in the future. I’m looking forward to playing my part in helping clear the runway to support Dwayne and his team to see this great club back where it belongs on the field.”

Jones spent six years with Hong Kong Rugby as head coach and head of its elite rugby programme, helping them qualify for the repechage for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

He worked for two years as assistant coach with Japan under Eddie Jones, with highlights including 2015 World Cup pool stage wins over South Africa, USA and Samoa.

His earlier career saw him as Wales defence and forwards coach in 2000-2002 under Graham Henry.

Jones also has experience of club rugby in Wales having coached at Pontypool, Ebbw Vale, Newport and Dragons.

Scarlets head coach Peel said: “Leigh has a depth and range of experience delivering world-class rugby performance programmes so he understands fully what it takes to build a winning team.

“We are looking forward to working closely with him and for the knowledge and experience he’ll bring to our rugby environment.”