ACADEMY IN FOCUS

Scarlets appoint Phil John as Academy coach SCARLETS Vs EMIRATES LIONS

ACADEMY

Former prop Phil John is back at the Scarlets, having been appointed to the role of Academy skills coach.

John made 330 Scarlets appearances over 17 seasons and holds the record for the most matches played in the regional era.

Since hanging up his playing boots following his final game against Glasgow in 2016, he has worked with the RGC 1404 Academy and alongside another ex-Scarlet Mark Jones with the Premiership team in North Wales.

He also has experience coaching with the Llanelli RFC Premiership side and as an assistant to Danny Wilson for the Scarlets.

John, who started out on a rugby apprenticeship scheme at Stradey Park, replaces Emyr Phillips who becomes the Scarlets transition coach overseeing the academy players who are training with the senior side.

“It’s good to be back at Parc y Scarlets, and I’m looking forward to working with a talented group of young players who have bright futures in the game,” said John.

“When you look at the players who were in the Academy five years ago when I was here, they are now starting week in week out for the Scarlets, it is great to see the journeys they have been on.

“The Scarlets Academy has a proud tradition of being a production line for the senior side and I’m excited by this opportunity to help make sure that continues.”

Scarlets Development Pathway Manager Kevin George added: “For us, this appointment was about getting the balance right in the coaching group with Emyr having been promoted to oversee the transition players.

“We had a lot of interest in the post and Phil, with his experience working with academies and the commitment he gave to North Wales, came out very strongly. We are delighted to have him on board to help nurture the next generation of Scarlets.”

Scarlets launch new link-up with Dewar Shield school sides SCARLETS Vs EMIRATES LIONS

ACADEMY

Scarlets Academy have started an innovative new partnership with the region’s Dewar Shield squads ahead of the coming campaign.

The initiative, which will run for 10 weeks, will see Ceredigion Schools, Pembrokeshire Schools, Carmarthen Schools, Mynydd Mawr & Dinefwr Schools and Llanelli Schools (under15/16s) attending training and coach development sessions at Parc y Scarlets.

The aim is to develop a closer working relationship with all Dewar Shield school organisations in the Scarlets region and align the region’s rugby pathway through supporting skill development, coach education and raising parental awareness around certain aspects of the game.

The rugby sessions will be led by the Scarlets Academy coaches and will include insights into the strength and conditioning, medical and analysis sides of the game, which will be provided by Scarlets staff.

Scarlets Academy skills coach Paul Fisher explained: “We aim to provide a meaningful CPD opportunity for all the Dewar Shield coaches and hub officers in each respective school area along with delivering a rugby session that focuses on the skills relevant to the current demands and needs of the modern game.

“We are extremely excited about this opportunity as we feel it will aid the quality of the coaching delivery and improve standards of players in school district squads, schools and clubs across the region.

“We are very keen to promote ‘The Scarlets Way’.”

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