​​Old pals lock horns in west Wales showdown with so much on the line

Dwayne Peel and Mark Jones go back a long way, but that friendship will be put to one side when they lock horns this weekend.

The pair came up through the youth ranks together, progressing into the Scarlets side before also becoming Wales team-mates, winning 76 and 47 caps respectively.

Since hanging up their boots, both have moved into coaching and that’s a path which now brings them into direct opposition.

Former scrum-half Peel is at the helm of the Scarlets, while ex-winger Jones has been head coach at the Ospreys since just before Christmas.

This Saturday afternoon, those two teams clash in a huge west Wales derby which will have a major bearing on their hopes of making the BKT URC play-offs. A 10,000-plus crowd is expected down at Parc y Scarlets for what should be a great occasion.

Looking back on his connection with Jones, Peel said: “We first played together for Llanelli Youth around about 1996, 1997, so I have known him for almost 30 years.

“We go back a long way, so it’s good to catch up with him when I see him.

“Mark is a rugby man through and through. He’s a good character, full of fun and sharp.

“He’s obviously doing a good job with the Ospreys, there’s no question about that. They are playing with freedom and they seem to be enjoying their rugby. Knowing him as I do, he will bring that, along with energy and enthusiasm, and they are playing well underneath him.

“I am delighted for him as a person. I know he’s worked hard to get that role. It’s good to see him doing well.”

Giving his thoughts on their friendship, Jones said: “We met each other in our late teens, so it’s not far off 30 years now.

“It’s one of those things, in sport you have good relationships with people in and around the game.

“But, obviously, we are professional men and when it comes to game day on the weekend we will be focused 100 per cent on giving our best for the badges that we represent.”

Since taking over from the departing Toby Booth in December, Jones has guided the Ospreys to six wins, one draw and a solitary defeat, a run that has seen them move up to seventh in the URC table.

His tenure began with a last gasp 23-22 home victory over the Scarlets the week before Christmas and now it’s time for the return match in Llanelli.

“It’s a proud fixture that has been around for 20 plus years in the current badges and obviously we know it goes deeper than that for those of us that are old enough to remember it. The history goes back a long way,” said Jones.

“We always look forward to the derbies. They are great. You go up against your best mate. There are lots of rivalries with the players.

“The good thing about this one is there is a lot on it around the league, so it’s exciting. Both teams will be aware of what’s at stake.

“We will pay the Scarlets the respect they deserve because they are a good side. We are a proud bunch and we are excited about the opportunity to go up against a very good team.”