Davies leaves Llanelli

Davies: leaving Llanelli

The board would like to make it clear that this has been a difficult decision to make and one that is disappointing for all parties concerned.

Llanelli Scarlets board statement
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Llanelli Scarlets have confirmed the departure of director of rugby Phil Davies after two seasons at the club.

Former Llanelli and Wales forward Davies was appointed Scarlets boss after leaving a similar role with Leeds.

The 44-year-old guided the Welsh side to the Heineken Cup semi-finals during his first season in charge.

But he failed to build on that during the 2007-8 campaign, the Scarlets failing to register a point in their Heineken qualifying pool, losing all six games, while also making little impact on the Magners League and EDF Energy Cup.

A statement released by the Scarlets board read: "The decision follows a review of the Scarlets' rugby performance this season, which includes looking at the structure of the rugby playing side of the business ahead of the region's move to a new stadium at the end of this year.

"The board would like to make it clear that this has been a difficult decision to make and one that is disappointing for all parties concerned."

Davies will serve out his notice period, which runs until the end of May, away from the region.

Paul Moriarty, supported by fellow former Wales internationals Robert Jones and Wayne Proctor - all members of Davies' support staff - have been placed in interim charge for the Scarlets two remaining Magners League fixtures, both at Stradey Park, against Munster on Saturday and Edinburgh the following weekend.

Jenkins return?

Davies' departure could open the way for Gareth Jenkins to make a shock return.

Jenkins left Llanelli to become Wales coach in April 2006, but his reign with the national team ended last autumn following a disappointing World Cup campaign.

He is understood to be in the frame for an elite performance director role with the Scarlets, similar to one recently taken up by New Zealander Andrew Hore at the Ospreys.