Scarlets welcome back Chairman Nigel Short

Scarlets Chairman Nigel Short will make a welcome return to lead the West Wales Region again as its Chairman following his decision to step down as Chairman of Regional Rugby Wales RRW after the conclusion of the new Rugby Services Agreement with the WRU.

With an agreement in place with the WRU and the implementation of a new European tournament structure, Regional Rugby Wales has now moved to strengthen its corporate and governance structure in order to continue to work on behalf of the four Regions to deliver sustainable and competitive professional rugby in Wales.

Following an intense three-year term leading Welsh Regional Rugby as Chairman of Regional Rugby Wales, Nigel Short has stepped down from the role with immediate effect to concentrate on his original role of Chairman of Scarlets.

The position of RRW Chairman will now be taken up by Robin Cammish, currently a Director and Vice Chairman of Scarlets. Robin Cammish will now step down from his role as vice chair of the Region to concentrate on his new role with RRW.

After a twelve-month period as Interim Chief Executive of Regional Rugby in addition to his role as Chief Executive of Scarlets, Mark Davies is now confirmed in the position of Chief Executive of Regional Rugby and will step down from his position at Scarlets at the end of this month.

Experienced Scarlets General Manager Jon Daniels remains in his role overseeing the operation of the Scarlets rugby and stadium operations business. Jon Daniels has worked within the Scarlets for more than a decade and prior to his current role heading up the management team at Parc y Scarlets he was the region’s Head of Regional Operations.

Scarlets Chairman Nigel Short said: “Regional Rugby and its future role within the Welsh game needs strong leadership and robust and clear structures so it can act with purpose to support the Regions and lead the regional game forward commercially.

“It now time for the next stage in Regional Rugby’s progression to be taken forward by a new executive with a strong commercial focus and for me to return to my real passion which is Scarlets Rugby and I am really look forward to being back involved at Parc y Scarlets as well as continuing my work on the Board of RRW with a group of respected colleagues in the Regions.

“There is plenty of exciting times and work ahead for the Scarlets and Regional Rugby as a whole and I am pleased to be back where I feel very at home helping support and take West Wales Rugby forward successfully.

“The Regions have been united in their vision and purpose throughout the detailed and lengthy discussions to reach an agreement with the WRU that creates a fair, progressive and credible foundation to protect and support the best interests of Welsh Rugby into the future.

“It has been both a challenge and a privilege to have played my part and I am encouraged that we now have an agreement in place that can create a stronger and more productive environment and encourage a thriving domestic game that feeds into the success of the national side.”

Nigel Short thanked Mark Davies for his significant contribution to the Scarlets over the past four years. He said: “Mark has been an excellent Chief Executive during very challenging times in Regional Rugby; his commercial experience, strategic thinking and ability to lead our business with strong marketing and sales expertise has improved performance in our operations, business structure and financial management.

“He will be missed but he has a very important role to fulfill as CEO of Regional Rugby now and his links with Scarlets will still remain close to us here in West Wales from our active involvement on the Board of RRW.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to Robin Cammish for stepping in so ably and willingly to support the Scarlets Board during my time as Chair of RRW and wish him well in his role now with the Four Regions.”

Mark Davies thanked all those in the Region who had supported him in his role as CEO: He said: “I’ve been lucky enough to have the opportunity to contribute to one of the most remarkable families in sport, because that’s actually what Scarlets is. Of course it needs to be run as a business, because it is the business that funds the performance and inspiration on the pitch, but it’s far, far more than just a business, it’s a spirit, an attitude and an inspiration.

“Over the last four years, the belief, encouragement, support and trust from Scarlets everywhere, through some difficult times has been profound and has never wavered.

“My sincere thanks go to the Scarlets board for their trust in providing me with the opportunity to be involved in the first place and my heartfelt thanks to the supporters, business partners, players, coaches and staff that have provided so much encouragement and belief – particularly at the most difficult points of the journey.

“The business is now secure and in great hands on and off the field with a dedicated and committed team led by Wayne and Jon and it’s great news that Nigel now has the time to dedicate his massive energy to the next stage of Scarlets development. I’m really going to enjoy watching it succeed and look forward to continuing to contribute to all four Regions from the role with RRW.”