Scarlets thank Wilson for his contribution

Scarlets have today confirmed that Danny Wilson has stepped down from his position as technical scrum coach with the region as he takes up a new role with Bristol Rugby.

Wilson joined the Scarlets as Forwards Coach for the start of the 2012-13 season; initially combining this role with his position as Head Coach of the Wales U20 side where he led his young team to a third place finish in the IRB Junior World Championships in South Africa in 2012.

Wilson’s tenure at the Scarlets came with widely acknowledged improvement in the strength of the region’s forward play, as well as the development of a group of impressive young Scarlets forwards; these include a number who are breaking onto the international stage including emerging front-rowers Rhodri Jones, Samson Lee and Rob Evans.

Scarlets Head Coach Wayne Pivac, who has a broad level of experience across national coaching, Sevens and expertise as a proven forwards coach – particularly at the breakdown said: “Danny and I had a good chat around his new position as Assistant Coach with Bristol Rugby with responsibility on forwards set piece play and the contact area.

“His new role comes with added pressures and time constraints and after lengthy discussions we mutually agreed that Danny would concentrate wholeheartedly on his commitments with Bristol. He is a very committed and passionate guy who gives nothing less than 100% to everything he does.”

Scarlets loosehead prop Phil John, who has been a mainstay at the region for over a decade, will take responsibility over the scrum alongside Head Coach Pivac.

Pivac went on to say: “Danny did a lot of work here over the last two seasons laying the foundations for improved forward and set-piece play. During that time Danny worked closely with Phil to ensure a longer-term succession plan for the region whilst helping Phil to develop as a young coach and we fully appreciate the work that Danny has done with the Scarlets over that period.”

Danny Wilson said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my two years at the Scarlets. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a fantastic group of players at the Scarlets and be a part of a region that has a very passionate support.

“I’d like to thank Gareth Jenkins and Simon Easterby for their support over the last two years and Wayne Pivac for his support in the last few months.

“Phil has been a huge part of the region’s scrum development up until now and I believe he’s the right person to take on the role, alongside Wayne, and he will go on to make a very good scrum coach in the future.”

Scarlets wish to thank Danny Wilson for his committed contribution to the region and wish him well in his future with Bristol Rugby.