Flanagan to fire-up Scarlets backs

Former Pontypridd outside half Dai Flanagan is to be given an opportunity to oversee the backs coaching and attacking play at the Scarlets until the end of the season.

Flanagan, 29, joined the Scarlets ahead of the 2014-15 season having hung up his playing boots to concentrate on a career on the sidelines and worked alongside former Backs Coach Mark Jones as the region’s Development Skills Coach.

Since joining the region in the Summer of 2014 Flanagan has combined his role within the region’s academy with mentoring the region’s senior kickers.

A change in the coaching group at the Scarlets, with Mark Jones’ departure ahead of season end and former Scarlets, Wales and British & Irish Lion Stephen Jones making a return to the region in the summer, has given Flanagan an opportunity to take responsibility over the backs and attacking play within the senior environment.

Commenting on the news Cefn Hengoed born Flanagan said: “There’s four months until the end of the season when Steve comes in where I’ll be looking after the backs and helping out with the attack.

“I’ve had three weeks with the backs and attack now leading up to the Connacht game during the LV= Cup block. It’s been good to get some time under my belt with them.”

Scarlets kept their top six race alive with a bonus point victory over Connacht on Sunday with the weather making for perfect conditions for running rugby.

Flanagan went on to say: “That’s all people have always asked here it to see the players expressing themselves, to beat people and see some offloads. It was probably a good game to watch on the weekend. The weather definitely helped but it was nice to see them playing like they did.”

The Scarlets scored four tries in the victory over Connacht with three backs – Jordan Williams, Harry Robinson and Michael Tagicakibau crossing the whitewash.

Commenting on the victory and the backs’ display Flanagan said: “We tried to keep things simple. We’re trying to test the boys’ accuracy. I’ve put a lot of ownership on the players to make decisions and again express themselves. They’ve got some ownership on the way we attack now and it’s important to them. Getting a lot of ball helped.

“We’re not looking to change a lot – the foundations have been built over the years. Simple things done well will always work. If we get a four on three we need to execute it. Scarlets have always played a nice brand of rugby and I’d like to think that that will continue.”

Scarlets Head Coach Wayne Pivac said: “Dai Flanagan who’s been working with a lot of the backs as kicking coach already this season so there’s a rapport there and he’s taken on additional responsibilities until the end of the season.

“Along with Ioan Cunningham they’ve been doing the British & Irish Cup, LV= Cup and Llanelli RFC and have been doing a good job. He’s a young coach with a teaching background and first impression are very good and I’m sure he’ll go a long way.”