Wales’ back Johnny McNicholl has formally announced his departure from Scarlets to return to New Zealand. The 33-year-old player, who initially arrived in Llanelli from Crusaders, has made the decision to leave the club with immediate effect, and has requested an early release from his contract. Although his next club has not yet been disclosed, the New Zealand-born player has expressed his gratitude to Scarlets for accommodating his decision to be closer to his family back home.
During his tenure with Scarlets, McNicholl made substantial contributions, scoring 57 tries in 130 games. Notable achievements in his career include securing the PRO12 title in 2017 and being a part of a squad that reached two European semi-finals. Despite his departure, McNicholl has conveyed his support for the club’s young talent and his intention to return as a supporter in the future.
Initially featuring as a wing, McNicholl transitioned to full-back more recently and has been widely recognized as one of the best finishers in the competition. Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel has commended McNicholl for his impact on the team, emphasizing his role as an outstanding Scarlet and a positive role model for younger players.
The departure of McNicholl presents a challenge for Scarlets, who have only managed to secure two wins out of their 14 games this season. In addition to the loss of McNicholl, the club has undergone changes in its coaching staff, with defense coach Gareth Williams being relieved of his duties.
As the club bids farewell to a key player, they also face the task of regrouping and strengthening their position in the league. McNicholl’s departure marks the end of an era for Scarlets, but it also presents opportunities for the club to rebuild and nurture new talent.
McNicholl’s departure from Scarlets represents a significant loss for the team, yet it also signifies the start of a new chapter. As the club navigates through this transitional period, they will undoubtedly strive to fill the void left by McNicholl’s departure and work towards achieving future success.