COACH’S COLUMN

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD COACH

DWAYNE

SCARLETS Vs EMIRATES LIONS

Croeso nôl!

This has been a night I’ve been looking forward to for a long time, playing at home with crowds back at Parc y Scarlets.

Can I first say a huge thanks to you all for your continued and dedicated support of the Scarlets during what has been one of the toughest periods the club has ever experienced.

It will be an emotional night to see our gates open and supporters returning in numbers and I can’t wait to once again sample the unique atmosphere that the Scarlets fans produce on match day.

I am a proud West Walian, I remember my dad taking me as a young boy to Stradey Park and I just fell in love with the place. The Scarlets has always been in my blood and coming back this summer as head coach, having worn the Scarlets jersey as a player, is a proud, proud moment for me.

Every club had to play through this pandemic without their fans in the stadium, but speaking to the players and coaches here I think we missed you more than most. You really are our 16th player and throughout this season, in the new United Rugby Championship and in Europe, you are all going to have a huge part to play. The sound of Sosban Fach, Yma O Hyd and Calon Lân around Parc y Scarlets will be music to the ears.

The boys have worked incredibly hard over the summer and although we were frustrated to come up just short in Edinburgh last weekend, there was plenty of good stuff in there and something we are determined to build on.

Mwynhewch a edrychaf ymlaen at glywed eich lleisiau ar draws y stadiwm

Diolch

Dwayne

PLAYER FEATURE SCARLETS Vs EMIRATES LIONS

GREAT

Back home and playing with a smile again

IN NINE MONTHS’ TIME, WHEN THE CURTAIN COMES DOWN ON THE 2021-22 SEASON, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT MANY WILL REMEMBER A PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY ON A THURSDAY NIGHT IN THE EAST MIDLANDS. THAT IS, UNLESS YOU’RE SCOTT WILLIAMS.

That match at Welford Road last month marked the culmination of a dogged and determined battle back from injury for the Wales international centre.

Those 20-odd minutes with the Scarlets on his chest once again meant a lot. Back on home soil and back to full fitness, it is clear that Williams is enjoying his rugby again.

And if that brief cameo against Tigers was the appetiser, his 80 minutes of classy midfield play in Edinburgh was a mouthwatering fare that will leave Scarlets fans relishing more.

“To put the Scarlets jersey back on was a bit special and I’m just thankful to be able to have the opportunity here and to all the coaches and staff who have put faith in me,” said Scott this week. “I just want to enjoy my rugby again and fingers crossed get a bit of luck with staying fit. There is some good competition here, some good strength in depth, and a good training environment where everyone is kept on their toes. I’m enjoying it here, there is a good feel around training, it’s exciting.”

As he spoke to the media, Williams was inevitably asked about the injury issues that blighted his time at the Ospreys.

“I think if you asked anyone they’re never pain free,” he admits, “but I feel really good and the fittest I’ve been for years. That was the toughest thing for me. It was easy for me to tell people how I felt, but I didn’t have the opportunity to show what I could still do.