Pivac sets out season goals at PRO12 launch

With the Guinness PRO12 campaign opener now less than a fortnight away the 2015-16 season launch was held on Monday, 24^th August, at the sponsor’s headquarters in Park Royal, London.

Coaching and playing representatives from all twelve clubs, from Wales, Ireland, Italy and Scotland, attended the plush season launch as the excitement builds for the opening weekend of the 2015-16 campaign.

Scarlets kick off their campaign against reigning champions Glasgow Warriors, at Scotstoun Stadium, on Saturday 5^th September before welcoming Ulster Rugby to Parc y Scarlets a week later.

The West Wales region will be looking to get a strong foothold in the competition early doors with the opening two rounds played before the Rugby World Cup campaign gets underway and a further two rounds played during the global tournament.

Speaking at the event on Monday Scarlets Head Coach Wayne Pivac said; “We’re certainly looking at blocks of the season; the first block being without the internationals.

“It’s been nice during the pre-season to have a group of players together than will take us through the World Cup period and that squad has its own goals.”

With nine senior players away from the region on international duty Pivac and his coaching team will be handing opportunities to a number of Scarlets’ next generation to step up to regional rugby.

Pivac went on to say; “We’ve seen already in the pre season some of the younger guys growing in confidence. We’ll no doubt see some good performances during the World Cup period from players who showed glimpses last year.

“Players like Tom Phillips and Dan Jones have already had a run out during the pre-season andguys like Josh Macleod will get a run out this weekend [against Bedford Blues]. There’s a conveyor belt of young players coming through. There’s certainly a lot of young talent around, it’s about blooding them at the right time and giving them an opportunity.”

After a nail biting finish to the 2014-15 season, qualifying for the European Rugby Champions Cup at the final hour with a victory over Benetton Treviso in the final round of the regular PRO12 season, Pivac is keen to see the Scarlets secure a place in the top four. He said; “We want to improve on 6^th place. A goal, like most sides I’d imagine, is top four. We want to be at the play-offs.

“Once you make the top four everyone is in with a shout. Our focus is to improve on last year and qualify for Europe.”

Be a part of more defining moments at Parc y Scarlets with a 2015-16 Season Ticket. Adult season tickets are available now from £160 with junior season tickets available from £15.

Call 0871 871 8088 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday) or buy online at scarletsseasontickets.wales