Mark Jones to leave Scarlets ahead of season end

Scarlets Attack Coach Mark Jones and his West Wales Region will part company before the end of the current playing season by mutual agreement with early release allowing Jones to pursue other career opportunities.
 
The committed former Scarlets and Wales winger who has dedicated more than 17 years service to his club and Region as both player and coach will move on from his current role immediately ahead of the next round of Guinness PRO12 fixtures.
 
As a player Jones made 163 appearances for Llanelli RFC and Scarlets over 12 seasons, scoring 85 tries and achieved 47 caps for Wales including Rugby World Cups in 2003 and 2007 and the Grand Slam winning side of 2008. He played his last season in Scarlets colours in 2009/10 as Captain retiring through injury in August 2010.
 
He then made a seamless and successful transfer into coaching his Region with his ability and commitment to Welsh rugby rewarded with a call up into the Wales national set-up to assist Caretaker Coach Rob Howley during the Autumn Series, as well as the 2013 Six Nations, in which Wales retained their title.

Mark Jones said: "I've had many great years as a Scarlet, both as a player and then as Coach and I leave with fond memories and grateful for all the opportunities I have been given.
 
"All coaches have their own philosophies which makes the game exciting and diverse, and the strong set of values and standards I gained through experience as a Scarlets player over many years have continued to be the foundations of my coaching career.
 
"The Scarlets are developing a new direction and philosophy within the coaching and playing group which differs from my own and we all agree it makes sense that the coaching group are allowed to pursue this new direction without me.
 
"It is time to move on now, it's the right decision for the Region and allows me to spend some quality time with my family and embark on the next chapter in my career. I wish the squad the very best for the rest of the season and especially with their quest to finish in the top six of the Guinness PRO12.
 
"The Scarlets has been the biggest part of my life but I feel that the time is right to further myself, both personally and professionally, and I'm excited by the future and looking forward to the new challenges ahead.”
 
Scarlets Chairman Nigel Short said: "After long discussions, we are all agreed that now is the right for Mark to depart. I would like to thank him for his contribution during his playing and coaching career. Dedication, commitment and professionalism are traits Mark has always displayed as a Scarlet and for that we are truly grateful. He will be an asset to his new employers and we wish him the very best for the future.”
 
Scarlets Head of Rugby Development and Recruitment Gareth Jenkins who has worked with Mark Jones throughout his Scarlets career said: "I'm personally very sorry to see Mark leave the Scarlets, he has been a loyal servant to our Region and a big part of our progression and profile as a rugby group.
 
"His ability as a technical coach is exceptional, and as player he was popular and respected by peers across the game working hard throughout his club and international career and then applying this knowledge and experience in his early coaching career to great effect.
 
"He leaves with all our very best wishes and sincere thanks for all he has done for Scarlets rugby for so many years at every level.”
 

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Exciting fly half Evans signs senior deal

Highly-rated young fly half Jarrod Evans has pledged his long-term future to Cardiff Blues after signing his first senior contract at the region.

Evans has put pen to paper this week and stepped up from the Blues Academy set-up to join the senior ranks.

Pontypridd born and bred, Evans, 18, came through the mini and junior ranks of his local club before his precocious talents saw him called into the Blues Academy.

The talented playmaker has been capped by Wales and Youth and Under-18 level and made his debut for Pontypridd when aged just 17 in 2013.

Richard Hodges, Elite Performance Pathway Manager at Cardiff Blues, said: "Jarrod has been part of the Blues set-up since he was 14 and has progressed through the Blues North and Under-18s squads.

"He is a talented young player who many fans will remember scoring four tries as Blues Under-18s won the Regional Championship final at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park last season.

"Jarrod has had to recover from two operations this season, but is now coming back into the mix. I'm sure he'll be very keen to push for a place in the LV=Cup squads next month and be part of the Wales Under-20 set-up in the coming years.

"He is the next player off the conveyor belt of talent we are looking to produce at Cardiff Blues and I'm confident Jarrod will play a big part for this region and get even better in the coming years.”

Evans said: "Cardiff Blues gave me the opportunity to come through the system and progress since I was youngster and so I'm delighted to now take the step up to the senior squad.

"It will be great to get back out on the field in the coming weeks and playing some rugby again. For me the hard work starts now and I want to push myself as hard as can and see where I go.

"I want to keep improving and Blues have a lot of talented fly halves like Gareth Anscombe, Rhys Patchell, Gareth Davies and Simon Humberstone who have been great with me. Now it's about learning from them and moving forward.”

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Anscombe to start against Edinburgh

New recruit Gareth Anscombe will make his Cardiff Blues debut after being named at full back for the Guinness PRO12 clash with Edinburgh Rugby at BT Murrayfield on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 4pm).

The former Super Rugby star is one of five changes to the Cardiff Blues team that started the last league fixture with Munster Rugby at the start of November. Dan Fish is the other change in the back division as he is named on the left wing.

Macauley Cook comes in to partner Jarrad Hoeata in the second row while Ellis Jenkins is rewarded for his outstanding form in the LV=Cup with the number seven jersey in Scotland.

Kristian Dacey is named in the starting line-up at hooker, with Matthew Rees ruled out with injury, and Adam Jones will captain the region for the very first time.

Hot prospect Garyn Smith could also make his league debut for Blues with the Academy product named among the replacements after also impressing in the LV=Cup.

Director of Rugby Mark Hammett said: "We've enjoyed a good period of results in both cup competitions and now look forward to the resumption of the Guinness PRO12 for a crucial period of fixtures up until Christmas.

"We're well aware of the challenge we face up in Scotland against Edinburgh. They're well coached by South African Head Coach Alan Solomans and, from what I've seen of them, they have a strong territorial game and if you get that right it is hard to stop.

"We're keen to get Gareth (Anscombe) involved and so he will start the game at full back. A number of other players will be keen to step up, continue the good form of recent weeks and impress while others are away during the autumn international window.”

Cardiff Blues: 

15 Gareth Anscombe, 14 Richard Smith, 13 Adam Thomas, 12 Gavin Evans, 11 Dan Fish, 10 Gareth Davies, 9 Lloyd Williams; 1 Sam Hobbs, 2 Kristian Dacey, 3 Adam Jones (c), 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 5 Macauley Cook, 6 Josh Turnbull, 7 Ellis Jenkins, 8 Manoa Vosawai

Replacements: 

16 Rhys Williams, 17 Thomas Davies, 18 Scott Andrews, 19 Chris Dicomidis, 20 Josh Navidi, 21 Lewis Jones, 22 Garyn Smith, 23 Geraint Walsh

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Skipper Byrne returns to lead Dragons against Edinburgh

Newport Gwent Dragons captain Lee Byrne has returned to the Dragons starting XV for this weekend's clash against Edinburgh, Saturday October 11, KO 14:40.

The international fullback has returned to full fitness after suffering a back strain before the Welsh Derby, resulting in him not appearing for the Dragons against the Scarlets in Round 5.

Alongside Byrne, Lyn Jones has made seven changes to the team that faced the Scarlets last weekend.

The fullback is joined in the back three by Matthew Pewtner and Hallam Amos. The centre pairing takes on the form of Tom Prydie and Ashley Smith while both half-backs, Jason Tovey and Jonathan Evans, get the nod and retain their places.

One change has been made to the front row alongside Boris Stankovich and Dan Way, as Elliot Dee replaces hooker T. Rhys Thomas who moves to the bench. The second row also has one change as Andrew Coombs, who returns from a three week ban, replaces Ian Gough. The back row has one change and one positional change made to it as Lewis Evans and Nic Cudd pull on the flanker jerseys and Andy Powell is named as number 8.

Director of rugby Lyn Jones, has made three changes to the replacements bench as Hugh Gustasfon, Lloyd Fairbrother, James Thomas, Richie Rees and Angus O'Brien are joined by T. Rhys Thomas, Ian Gough, and Aled Brew.

Newport Gwent Dragons team to face Edinburgh

Lee Byrne (c), Matthew Pewtner, Tom Prydie, Ashley Smith, Hallam Amos, Jason Tovey, Jonathan Evans; Boris Stankovich, Elliot Dee, Dan Way, Andrew Coombs, Rynard Landman, Lewis Evans, Nic Cudd, Andy Powell.

Replacements:
T. Rhys Thomas, Hugh Gustafson, Lloyd Fairbrother, Ian Gough, James Thomas, Richie Rees, Angus O'Brien, Aled Brew.

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Thomond victory will be step in the right direction for Scarlets says Priestland

Scarlets outside half Rhys Priestland says it was bitterly disappointing to lose against Munster at Musgrave Park in the PRO12 last season and taking a victory over the Irish province at Thomond Park on Friday evening will be a step in the right direction for the Welsh region.
 
The clash away from home against Munster heralds a big month for the Scarlets that will see the West Wales region take on Munster and Toulon in consecutive weeks, who collectively have five Heineken Cup titles between them, before moving on to face Leicester Tigers at Parc y Scarlets in the second round of the European Champions Cup.
 
Talking earlier this week outside half Priestland, who has played a part in all of Scarlets' fixtures so far this season, said: "The next few weeks will be a big test for us and hopefully we can keep the squad as fit as possible and see how we go. If we play like we have done we're going to come unstuck.
 
"We've played some good stuff but we've been inconsistent and left a few opportunities on the field. Hopefully we can turn things around but it's going to be a tough few weeks. We want to become more consistent and hopefully we can sort that out this week.”
 
In what is the final Guinness PRO12 fixture of the opening block this season, as we head into the European campaign, Priestland is fully aware of the challenge that faces the Scarlets as they take on Munster at their Thomond Park home. Priestland went on to say: "They've been the top team consistently for so many years. They're probably a team that's been improving, they've got some very good players and will be ramping it up gearing towards Europe.
 
"I'm pretty sure we'll face a Munster team that played against Leinster last weekend not the team that played at the start of the season. We were bitterly disappointed to have lost out in Munster – hopefully it'll be a bit different this time!
 
"Our performances against them have improved. We know they're a dangerous team, they're playing a bit more of an expansive game and we've worked on our defence this week.”
 
With two win, two draws and a defeat in the Guinness PRO12 so far this season the Scarlets are keen to build on the winning momentum and keep climbing the table. Priestland went on to say: "We've been like a traditional French team so far this season, ok at home, very disappointing out in Leinster and we should have put the game to bed early doors in Edinburgh.
 
"We have to try and stop that trend of having one good performance and then a slump.  The season we got to the top four – we went to places and ground out ugly wins – they weren't glamorous games but we got the job done.
 
"It's a massive period for us at Scarlets – if we can get something out of this game away to Munster it'll be a big step in the right direction for us, especially the way we've been away from home at the start of the year. That will hopefully lead nicely into what is one of the biggest games in European rugby going out to Toulon.”
 
Tickets are on sale now for Scarlets' opening home European Champions Cup game against Leicester Tigers, Saturday 25th October kick-off 7.45pm.
 

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Watkins wings in as Dacey hits milestone

Hooker Kristian Dacey will make his 50th appearance for Cardiff Blues and wing George Watkins his debut as the region face reigning champions Leinster Rugby at the RDS in the Guinness PRO12 on Friday night (kick-off 7.35pm).

Milestone man Dacey is one of seven changes made by Director of Rugby Mark Hammett as Blues look for a return to winning ways in Dublin.

Prop Gethin Jenkins will make his first league appearance of the season alongside Dacey in the front row.

Two further call-ups in the pack see lock Chris Dicomidis set for his first start of the campaign and flanker Sam Warburton return in the back row. Josh Navidi moves to Number Eight and will captain the team.

Centres Cory Allen and Dafydd Hewitt are both named in the starting line-up and winger Watkins is rewarded for his stunning recent form for Cardiff RFC, where he has scored five tries in two games, with a start out wide.

A powerful bench includes scrum half Tavis Knoyle who could make his league debut for Blues.

"Leinster are the champions with an extremely strong side and have a very powerful squad,” said Hammett. "We are certainly looking forward to the challenge that we will face over in Dublin. The atmosphere will be big over there and we have to be ready for that.

"Last week we had a short turnaround between games and maybe ran out of steam towards the end against Ulster. We gave it at an honest and tough second 40 minutes but probably fell away a little bit on that hard track. Now we need to be refreshed and ready to go.

"We are working exceptionally hard every week in training to improve and I felt our attack was much better last week. But we are not finishing out chances when they are there and we created some good opportunities and drew penalties. We need to get across the line.”

Cardiff Blues: 15 Rhys Patchell, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Cory Allen, 12 Dafydd Hewitt, 11 George Watkins, 10 Gareth Davies, 9 Lewis Jones; 1 Gethin Jenkins, 2 Kristian Dacey, 3 Adam Jones, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 5 Chris Dicomidis, 6 Josh Turnbull, 7 Sam Warburton, 8 Josh Navidi (c)

Replacements: 16 Matthew Rees, 17 Sam Hobbs, 18 Taufa'ao Filise, 19 Macauley Cook, 20 Manoa Vosawai, 21Tavis Knoyle, 22 Adam Thomas, 23 Dan Fish

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All Blacks ace Hoeata set for debut

New Zealand international lock Jarrad Hoeata is set for his Cardiff Blues debut when the region face Glasgow Warriors in the Guinness PRO12 at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday (kick-off 4pm).

Second row enforcer Hoeata, a summer recruit from the Highlanders in Super Rugby, is one of three changes made by Director of Rugby Mark Hammett.

Former Wales Sevens captain Adam Thomas, who previously represented Blues in 2011 in the LV=Cup, makes his first start of the season at full back, with Dan Fish moving to the wing.

Scrum half Lewis Jones comes into the starting line-up to join Rhys Patchell, who shone with 21 points in the victory over Zebre last weekend, to form a new-look half back partnership.

Powerhouse prop Taufa'ao Filise makes a return among the replacements alongside Richard Smith.

Scott Andrews is also named on the bench and if he features will make his 100th appearance for Cardiff Blues.

Director of Rugby Mark Hammett said: "All the players and backroom team are excited about launching our home campaign as we look to build on an encouraging victory over Zebre in Italy last Sunday.

"It's important we make our home a tough place for the opposition to visit this season. Turning your home into a real fortress is always your goal.

"As an entire squad we have got to buy into that ethos and ambition. We go out and leave everything on the pitch and nothing to chance.

"Glasgow were exceptional on the first weekend and I felt should have won by a bigger margin at home to Leinster. It's a big challenge for us, but it is one we are relishing as we look to build on last weekend's game in Italy.”

Cardiff Blues:

15 Adam Thomas, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Cory Allen, 12 Gavin Evans, 11 Dan Fish, 10 Rhys Patchell, 9 Lewis Jones; 1 Sam Hobbs, 2 Matthew Rees (c), 3 Adam Jones, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 5 Filo Paulo, 6 Josh Turnbull, 7 Sam Warburton, 8 Manoa Vosawai

Replacements:

16 Kristian Dacey, 17 Taufa'ao Filise, 18 Scott Andrews, 19 Macauley Cook, 20 Josh Navidi, 21 Lloyd Williams, 22 Gareth Davies, 23 Richard Smith

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Big occasion at the RDS will spur on Scarlets

Scarlets take on reigning champions Leinster at the RDS tomorrow in the second round of the Guinness PRO12.
 
The Welsh region will be looking to build on the positives, which included four tries, against Ulster at Parc y Scarlets.
 
Scarlets fullback Liam Williams is named in the starting XV having been cleared of any playing suspension following his red card (after two yellows) in the opening clash against Ulster last weekend.
 
Scott Williams is joined in the centre by Gareth Owen, who replaces the injured Regan King, whilst Jordan Williams comes in on the wing to replace the injured Michael Tagicakibau.
 
The only change to the pack sees Aaron Shingler replace Rob McCusker who moves to the replacements bench.
 
Scarlets Head Coach Wayne Pivac said: "Saturday's game against Leinster should be a good opportunity for us to test ourselves against a very good team away from home.
 
"For us, it's about concentrating on what we're doing and getting that right, It's still very early. There are lots of improvements to come in this team and we have plenty to build on. Really for us, this time of the year there's a lot of work to do on your own game especially coming in as a new coach.
 
"All rugby players love playing in front of a big crowd. Bigger the crowd, bigger the occasion and bigger the performance and hopefully we'll be no different. No matter where you play, it's great to play in front of a bumper crowd.”
 
Scarlets' only loss in their last six PRO12 encounters was to Cardiff Blues on Judgement Day in April whilst Leinster faced a narrow defeat against Glasgow in the opening round of the 2014-15 campaign last weekend.
 
Scarlets team to take on Leinster at the RDS, Saturday 13th September kick-off 2.40pm:
 
15 Liam Williams, 14 Harry Robinson, 13 Gareth Owen, 12 Scott Williams, 11 Jordan Williams, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Rhodri Williams, 1 Phil John, 2 Ken Owens ©, Rhodri Jones, 4 Jake Ball, 5 Johan Snyman, 6 Aaron Shingler, 7 John Barclay, 8 Rory Pitman
 
Replacements:

Emyr Phillips, Rob Evans, Peter Edwards, Richard Kelly, Rob McCusker, Aled Davies, Steven Shingler, Adam Warren

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Welsh internationals return to Dragons starting 15

International stars Hallam Amos and Taulupe Faletau will make their return to the Newport Gwent Dragons starting 15 to take on Welsh rivals the Ospreys on Friday 12th September, KO 19:35.

Amos returns to play for the Men of Gwent after an injury he sustained in June stopped him from going on the Wales Tour to South Africa.  The full-back/ wing underwent successful surgery in June to his shoulder after tearing parts of his labrum. Faletau also returns to the fold after being rested after his time with the International team for the Wales Tour of South Africa against the Springboks.

Director of Rugby Lyn Jones has selected a similar side to the one that was named to face Connacht last weekend, with the exception of three players. Jones has named an international back three with skipper Lee Byrne taking the helm at fullback, alongside wings Hallam Amos and Rodney Parade favourite Aled Brew. The centre pairing remains the same as last weekend with youngsters Tyler Morgan and Jack Dixon being selected. Halfbacks Jason Tovey and Jonathan Evans also retain their places in the team.

There have been no changes made to the props as Boris Stankovich and Lloyd Fairbrother make their second start of the season for the Dragons, they are joined in the front row by hooker Elliot Dee. The second row has one change as Ian Gough steps in to take on his old teammates alongside Rynard Landman. Both flankers, Evans and Cudd get the nod from Jones and are joined in the back row by number 8 Taulupe Faletau.

There have been five changes made to the replacements bench as T. Rhys Thomas, Owen Evans and Dan Way are joined by Andrew Coombs, Andy Powell, Richie Rees, Angus O'Brien and Tom Prydie.

Newport Gwent Dragons Team to face the Ospreys

Lee Byrne ©, Hallam Amos, Tyler Morgan, Jack Dixon, Aled Brew, Jason Tovey, Jonathan Evans; Boris Stankovich, Elliot Dee, Lloyd Fairbrother, Ian Gough, Rynard Landman, Lewis Evans, Nic Cudd, Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements:

T. Rhys Thomas, Owen Evans, Dan Way, Andrew Coombs, Andy Powell, Richie Rees, Angus O'Brien, Tom Prydie.

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Trio set for Blues debuts at Zebre

Adam Jones, Josh Turnbull and Manoa Vosawai will all make their debuts for Cardiff Blues in the Guinness PRO12 when the new season explodes into life against Zebre on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 5pm local time).
The three summer signings all start as Blues complete Round 1 of the new season at Stadio XXV Aprille in Italy.

Prop Jones packs down alongside captain Matthew Rees and Sam Hobbs in the front row.

Turnbull will play at blindside flanker and is part of a powerful back row that includes fellow new boy and Italian international Vosawai plus Sam Warburton.

Rhys Patchell and Lloyd Williams are paired at half back after impressing together in the final pre-season fixture with Leicester Tigers.

Gavin Evans and Cory Allen will form a midfield partnership while rising star Owen Jenkins is named on the wing for the third PRO12 start of his career. His first start also came in Italy against Benetton Treviso last season.

The replacements include fit-again hooker Kristian Dacey and tighthead prop summer recruit Craig Mitchell.

Director of Rugby Mark Hammett said: "We're looking forward to the first game of the new Guinness PRO12 season against a Zebre team who will no doubt be keen to make a positive start on home soil.

"We need to focus on ourselves and performing; we have real competition for places right across the squad. Every player knows they need to produce in Italy to keep hold of the jersey.”

Captain Matthew Rees added: "We have recruited strongly for this season and the opening game is the chance to make a real statement of intent about what we can achieve this season.

"What has happened in the past with Zebre is gone. We are a new squad now, a new team and we're all looking forward to getting into the serious nature of Guinness PRO12 rugby and showing what we are capable of as a group.”

Cardiff Blues: 15 Dan Fish, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Cory Allen, 12 Gavin Evans, 11 Owen Jenkins, 10 Rhys Patchell, 9 Lloyd Williams; 1 Sam Hobbs, 2 Matthew Rees (c), 3 Adam Jones, 4 Chris Dicomidis, 5 Filo Paulo, 6 Josh Turnbull, 7 Sam Warburton, 8 Manoa Vosawai

Replacements: 16 Kristian Dacey, 17 Thomas Davies, 18 Craig Mitchell, 19 Macauley Cook, 20 Josh Navidi, 21 Lewis Jones, 22 Gareth Davies, 23 Dafydd Hewitt

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Five to make their Dragons Debut

Newport Gwent Dragons Director of Rugby Lyn Jones, has chosen a mixture of youth and experience in his team to face Connacht at the Sportsground, in the opening round of the Guinness PRO12 (Saturday 6th September, KO 17:00).

Skipper Lee Byrne will make his debut alongside Boris Stankovich, Lloyd Fairbrother, Rynard Landman and Andy Powell.

The back three is a trio of internationals as Lee Byrne is named as fullback with both Tom Prydie and recently returned Dragon Aled Brew on the wing. Jones has appointed a fresh look centre pairing with Jack Dixon and Tyler Morgan. The Newport Gwent Dragons highest points scorer Jason Tovey retains the number 10 jersey as Jonathan Evans is named as scrum-half.

Jones carries on with his mix of youth and experience in the front row as Boris Stankovich is named as loosehead prop, Elliot Dee as hooker and Lloyd Fairbrother as tight head prop. Last years skipper Andrew Coombs is named in the second row along with south African lock Rynard Landman. The back row contains flankers Lewis Evans and Nic Cudd alongside British and Irish lion Andy Powell at number 8.

The replacement bench contains T. Rhys Thomas, Owen Evans, Dan Way, Ian Gough, Taulupe Faletau, Dorian Jones, Geraint Rhys Jones and also gives academy player Barney Nightingale, who impressed during pre-season, the chance to pull on the Dragons jersey.

Newport Gwent Dragons team to face Connacht

Lee Byrne (c), Tom Prydie, Tyler Morgan, Jack Dixon, Aled Brew, Jason Tovey, Jonathan Evans; Boris Stankovich, Elliot Dee, Lloyd Fairbrother, Andrew Coombs, Rynard Landman, Lewis Evans, Nic Cudd, Andy Powell.

Replacements T. Rhys Thomas, Owen Evans, Dan Way, Ian Gough, Taulupe Faletau, Dorian Jones, Geraint Rhys Jones, Barney Nightingale.

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All star line-up for Scarlets' opening PRO12 clash

Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac has named a strong squad for his side's opening clash in the GUINNESS PRO12 at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday 6th September, kick-off 2.40pm.

The Scarlets begin the GUINNESS PRO12 campaign at home for the fourth competitive season as they welcome Ulster Rugby to Parc y Scarlets this Saturday, kick-off 2.40pm.

Pivac's side will look to secure a solid start to the campaign as they face strong opposition in the opening two rounds; against last season's semi finalists Ulster and champions Leinster.

Pivac has named a strong side for the opening clash with no less than 12 internationals in the staring XV as well as last weekend's man of the match number 8 Rory Pitman, South African lock Johan Snyman and Scarlets' scrum cornerstone Phil John.

Head Coach Wayne Pivac said: "Ulster have been a quality side for a number of years and have been in a constant in the play-offs in recent years. We'd like to improve on our 6th place, to do that we have to be able to compete against the Ulster's and Leinster's of the competition on a weekly basis. There's no better team to have first up at home.

"I'm very much looking forward to the first competitive game of the season at home, here at Parc y Scarlets. The boys have done a lot of hard work and we've seen a couple of good runs against Bath and Gloucester – we don't read too much into the pre-season but it is encouraging and the guys are looking forward to getting back out there.

"I'm looking forward to this weekend for a number of reasons.”

Scarlets team to take on Ulster Rugby, Saturday 6th September kick-off 2.40pm, at Parc y Scarlets;

15 Liam Williams, 14 Harry Robinson, 13 Regan King, 12 Scott Williams, 11 Michael Tagicakibau, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Gareth Davies, 1 Phil John, 2 Ken Owens (c), 3 Rhodri Jones, 4 Jake Ball, 5 Johan Snyman, 6 Rob McCusker, 7 John Barclay, 8 Rory Pitman

Replacement: Emyr Phillips, Rob Evans, Peter Edwards, Richard Kelly, Aaron Shingler, Rhodri Williams, Steven Shingler, Gareth Owen

The following players are unavailable for selection; Samson Lee (suspension), Chris Hala'ufia (conditioning), Frazier Climo (ankle), Josh Lewis (AC joint), Connor Lloyd (knee), Will Boyde (shoulder), George Earle (ankle), Aaron Warren (knee), Jacobie Adriaanse (knee)

Tickets are on sale now; £10 adults, £5 concession, £3 juniors.

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Scarlets name Owens as new skipper

Ken Owens says it will be an ‘honour’ to lead the Scarlets after being named captain of the Pro12 side for next season.

The 27-year-old hooker, who has made 158 appearances for the West Wales region, will lead the side while centre Scott Williams has been named vice-captain.  

Owens takes over the reins from back row forward Rob McCusker and British & Irish Lion Jonathan Davies – who has joined French giants Clermont Auvergne.

"It's a huge honour, especially considering the people who've captained the region,” said Owens.

“I've played under some great leaders like Simon Easterby, Stephen Jones, Matthew Rees, Mark Jones – and obviously Rob McCusker and Jon Davies over the last couple of seasons.

"It's a massive opportunity for me and one I'm looking forward to. It's going to be a tough challenge but hopefully can move the region forward and get some success.”

On his leadership style, Owens added: “Every captain is different, I think I'll have to see how it unfolds.

“I will try and lead from the front which is something I've always tried to do as a player.”

Meanwhile fellow Wales international Williams, 23, who is the new vice-captain, also spoke of his delight, although admits the call took him by surprise.

He said: “It's a massive honour to be named vice captain – even though a little bit unexpected – but I'll grab the opportunity with both hands.

"We have a young squad, especially in the backline. It doesn't feel like that long ago that I was in the same shoes as those boys coming through from the Academy.

“I've got a lot of time in terms of helping them if they need anything. I don't feel 23 in terms of experience and I feel like I've had quite a lot in my short career so far.

“Hopefully I can bring that experience and pass it down to the other boys.”

Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac is confident that pair will be popular choices as captain and vice-captain respectively.

He said: “Both Ken and Scott will play a vitally important role within the squad and both, I feel, epitomise Scarlets rugby and our region – our people.

“We are a part of a passionate and loyal rugby community where rugby is everything. I am a great believer in locals taking the team forward.

“Both of these young men come from within the heart of this region and will die for the jersey and lead by example.”

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Former Wales international Hayward joins Scarlets coaching team

The Scarlets have announced that Byron Hayward will join the new-look coaching team as Defence Coach.

The former Llanelli and Wales international will take up his new role, working with new Head Coach Wayne Pivac and the coaching team at Parc y Scarlets in time for the start of the season.

Hayward, 45, has a wealth of coaching experience having coached Ebbw Vale, Sale Sharks, Dragons regional age grade sides and most recently Wales Under 20 as he took over the reins from Scarlets Scrum Coach Danny Wilson. He has joined the Scarlets from the Welsh Rugby Union where his role was National Academy Skills Coach, developing players both technically and tactically.

An accomplished player at fly half, Hayward represented Wales on two occasions and won the league with Llanelli in 1999. On retiring he had scored a then joint record 2535 league points.

Blaina boy Hayward said: "It's nice to be back at the top end of rugby and back into week to week intense high level rugby. When you come into the professional game it's relentless and quite challenging at times as I found out in the Premiership with Sale but that's what I'm looking forward to.

"It's also great to be back here with the Scarlets. I was fortunate enough to play under Gareth (Jenkins) and played alongside Simon (Easterby) and Mark (Jones). I enjoyed every minute I had when I was here as a player and I'm sure it'll be the same when I'm coaching.

"I've been really encouraged from what I've seen from the players already, they are hard-working and it's evident they play for each other. I'll be looking to build on the good work that Simon has done to strengthen the mind set on our game without the ball and be a top quality defensive side.

"Llanelli and Scarlets rugby is known throughout the world. When I played here people here treated me really well and were very receptive. Those things and those memories are still fresh in my mind and they had a massive impact on my decision to come here and be a part of the coaching team.

"People here are so passionate about rugby and Scarlets rugby and I'm excited to be a part of a determined and passionate coaching group. We (Llanelli) managed to win the league in 1999; those things, as a player, stick in your mind forever and I want to do the same thing and win things as a coach here.”

Hayward added; "As a new coaching team we're not expecting success overnight, we have to put building blocks in place but we'll work hard over time to make an impact and we want to play against the best and beat the best.”

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Super Rugby star Anscombe joins Blues

Cardiff Blues have announced the major signing of Super Rugby superstar Gareth Anscombe from current champions Waikato Chiefs on a long-term deal.

Anscombe, who can play fly half or full back, will make the move to BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park this summer and join the exciting new-look squad under the guidance of new Director of Rugby Mark Hammett.

Highly-rated back Anscombe, who qualifies for Wales through his mother, has been a star performer in New Zealand and scored an impressive 268 points in his Super Rugby career.

The 23-year-old guided New Zealand Under-20s to the Junior World Championship three years ago and his eye-catching performances were vital in the Chiefs landing the title in 2013.

Anscombe will join the Cardiff Blues later this year following the completion of his ITM Cup commitments with Auckland.

Richard Holland, Chief Executive of Cardiff Blues, hailed the news that Anscombe has signed a contract with the region as a huge statement of intent for the future.

"We are absolutely delighted that Gareth has decided to join the Cardiff Blues family. I'm sure supporters across Welsh rugby will be extremely excited about his arrival,” he said.

"Gareth is a fantastically talented player, a true winner, after securing successive title with the Chiefs, and also a very driven and ambitious young man.

"I first met him in October last year and was immediately impressed by his attitude. He has since been to Cardiff to have a close look at the region and is now very keen to move here and get started.

"When Mark Hammett was appointed as our new Director of Rugby we spoke about potential signings and Gareth was always top of that list. Hammer was extremely keen to bring him over and now we have concluded that deal after months of negotiations.

"Gareth's signing is an absolutely crucial one for Cardiff Blues, especially following the departure of Leigh Halfpenny, and it shows our absolute intention to strengthen and bring world class players to our region.

Gareth Anscombe said: "My decision to leave New Zealand has been a tough one.  I have loved every minute of career here in NZ and would like to say a special thanks to the Chiefs and Auckland Rugby for everything they have done for me.

"However, in consultation with my family, I came to the conclusion that the opportunity in Wales was one that I simply couldn't turn down.

"I am really excited to be joining a region like Cardiff Blues.  I was lucky enough to be able to visit last year so have a degree of familiarity with the club and people that will hopefully help me hit the ground running and start contributing to what I hope will be a successful season for the Blues.

"Much has been made about my Welsh eligibility and there is no doubt that my mother's side of the family have always reinforced my Welshness.  However, I am under no illusions and my focus is very much on the Blues and if the opportunity to represent Wales comes as a result of my performances on the pitch then of course I will take it.”

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