Scarlets Head of Athletic Performance to leave at end of season

Scarlets’ Head of Athletic Performance Brad Harrington will leave the region at the end of his contract this season to pursue new opportunities in the game.

Originally from Woronora River, NSW, Australia; Harrington has worked with leading rugby clubs including the Waratahs and Leinster Rugby and has spent close to 10 years working in professional sport in the UK.

Heading up Athletic Performance at the West Wales region for the past six years since joining the Scarlets in June 2008, Harrington has gained plaudits in bringing through a number of top level players to international class including Jon Davies, George North, Scott Williams, Rhys Priestland and England no8 Ben Morgan.

Scarlets Head Coach Simon Easterby thanked him for his contribution over the past six seasons.

Easterby said: “Brad has played an important role in our progression as a rugby group; and has worked hard to push forward our athletic performance in line with the demands of the game. He has helped bring forward a number of our most talented players in the region to ensure they are at the peak of their fitness and performance during what is a long and very physically challenging domestic rugby season.

“In such a competitive sport where the margins for success are so fine, effective strength and conditioning programmes for all players across our Region play a big part in helping create a winning team and environment. We are very grateful to him for all he has done for our rugby environment and wish him well.”

Head of Regional Recruitment and Development Gareth Jenkins said: “Brad has made a significant contribution to strength and conditioning across our region and that includes pathways and processes for our development and academy players. We are grateful for his input; over the past six years he has been responsible for advancing our conditioning culture and that has benefitted all our players in line with the demands of the game today.”

Brad Harrington said: “It’s been a great Region to be a part of and I have been lucky to work alongside a good group of players and coaches. It’s a source of pride for me professionally to see the changes and systems that we have implemented to push us forward as a squad and the impact that has had on our performance in recent years.

“Our boys are able to compete on a level in Europe and internationally – there is very little time to prepare players between regional action and international intensity matches; so it’s crucial that the players are in the peak condition. A lot of hard work is done at the Regions.

“It’s been a highlight to work within a rugby region that continues to bring through so many talented young players and see them step up to achieve international honours.

“I’ve had a great six seasons with the Scarlets, including bringing up my young family here and thoroughly enjoyed my time in West Wales. The Scarlets is a proud rugby region with very passionate supporters and a loyal and close-knit team of players that are committed and working very hard to bring success to their region. I will leave with very fond memories and wish the Scarlets all the very best now and in the future.”