Scarlets close to naming new head coach, says Wales-bound Wayne Pivac
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Wayne Pivac says Scarlets will be in a position to announce his successor as head coach in the coming weeks.
The 56-year-old was named as Wales head coach Warren Gatland's replacement in July 2018, more than a year before he takes charge.
Pivac says Scarlets want an experienced head coach which would rule out current assistant Stephen Jones who is in line to join the new Wales set-up.
New Zealander Paul Feeney has also been linked with the Scarlets role.
"They will not want to leave it late," said Pivac.
"They will want to get it done so it is not a distraction to anybody and we move on.
"The club have spoken to a number of potential candidates and have got a list of quality people.
"It won't be too much longer before we will be in a position to announce something."
Pivac will leave his Scarlets role at the end of the 2018/19 season and says he has played a role in the recruitment process but the identity of the new head coach will not be his final decision.
"I know a lot of the coaches and make a few phone calls and get information which helps to throw into the mix," he said.
"Ultimately it will be a club decision, although they will get my feedback."
Pivac says the Scarlets have looked at recruiting another New Zealander.
"Everybody would have a look there (New Zealand) and see what is available and if it fits what you are looking for," added Pivac.
"There are coaches that have been spoken to that are outside of that area as well."
His current assistant Stephen Jones is tipped to join Pivac's Wales backroom staff and his lack of head coach experience could count against him becoming the new Scarlets boss.
"The club have made it clear they are looking for someone with a proven track record of performance and winning," said Pivac.
"That narrows the field until you get a worthwhile number of coaches to interview. That is where they are at."
'Feeney an excellent coach'
Feeney, currently assistant coach at Super Rugby outfit Stormers in South Africa, worked with Pivac at Fiji and Auckland.
He is out of contract in 2019 and spent time at the Scarlets earlier this month.
"He came to us on a coach development exercise to see how we do things," said Pivac.
"He was here to have a look but he is a coach who is coming off contract at the end of the year.
"We know each other and I know what he can and can't do. He is an excellent coach."
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Disappointing casual remark about Carwyn James' sad demise during less tolerant times.
Perhaps we should concentrate on his coaching achievements.
Yma O Hyd.
They don't want to know. Subjugation, oppression and exploitation. Is not something most people like to think of, as part of their history.
The Welsh Not, was still being enforced into the 20th century.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welsh_Not
Yma O Hyd.
The Celts don't dislike England for no reason. It's a shame English people don't understand what England has done to them.
By the way, I will not hate every French person for the Norman invasion of William the conqueror, every Scandinavian for the viking invasions, Italians for the Roman occupation or any Germans for bombing Sheffield in the 1940s.
We've some real strength in depth in some positions. Oddly enough we've lots of very good 9s & 10s but in the 70s we had geniuses there - find them & things get very interesting! But all teams are improving & NH much stronger generally!
By contrast I'm baffled by what AC is doing at the Ospreys. The teams put out against Munster & Worcester were bizarre - yes put in younger players - but you don't have to put them all in at once. So far not great
If you want to get political then watch the Peterloo film when it comes out soon. You will see that we English have shat on our own frequently.
The Tories decimated our communities in South Yorks in the 80s too you know.
I agree we don`t acknowledge our horrible history, but don`t think you have a monopoly on being oppressed!
@14 my Dad actually experienced it at school.
I would have appreciated more comments about Scarlets on here. I`ve no axe to grind with the Welsh or Welsh rugby. I actually admire how they can squeeze so much talent out of so small a pool of players.
I also think that Pivac may move the Welsh national side forward which, as an England rugby fan, is quite worrying.
Anyway, you seem a sensible bloke, unlike Enoch who has no respect for anyone it would seem.
My fear is what WP can do with the Welsh team? He could really push you forward. I’m envious of your back row depth, and attacking play, and a new coach could really be a boost?
What do you think?
1. The enemy of the day
2. The RAF
3. The French
Urban myth no doubt
The Normans weren't really French anyway & there was hatred & resentment of them by the 'english' for many years. These things linger
Slightly off topic though!
In which case have to say, based on the behaviour of a tiny minority, North Wales is a rancid wretched place full of bigots.
It's not - I know some lovely folk up in Colwyn Bay