The Scarlets have officially announced the departure of several players and staff at the end of the 2023-24 season. An opportunity to bid them farewell will be presented to fans following the BKT United Rugby Championship fixture against Ulster at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday.
Among those leaving the club is Ken Owens, the Wales and British & Irish Lions hooker, who retired from rugby in April after an illustrious career, which saw him make 274 appearances for the Scarlets and lead the club as captain for eight seasons. Jonathan Davies, affectionately known as ‘Foxy’, will also be departing after playing 209 games for the Scarlets. Another key player, Scott Williams, with 161 appearances to his name and 26 tries, will also be bidding adieu. Dan Jones, who played 153 matches and contributed 682 points during his decade-long tenure, will also be leaving the club.
Samson Lee, who announced his retirement in December due to injury concerns, as well as Wyn Jones, who made 136 appearances since his debut in 2014, will also be departing. Johnny McNicholl, who crossed the whitewash 57 times in 130 games, will be reuniting with the Crusaders in New Zealand. Kieran Hardy, who became the latest member of the 100-cap club and scored 25 tries for the club, will be joining the Ospreys in the summer. Other players like Ryan Conbeer, Steff Thomas, Iwan Shenton, Eduan Swart and Joe Jones will also be leaving the Scarlets.
In addition to the players, Sara Davies, team manager, and Rhys Jones, strength & conditioning coach, will be departing from the back-room staff at Parc y Scarlets.
Head coach Dwayne Peel expressed his gratitude and emotional sentiment towards the departing members, acknowledging their contributions and commitment to the club. He further added, “We would like to thank each player and each member of staff for the work, pride and commitment they have shown to the Scarlets during their time here. They can all be proud of the way they have represented this club, and we wish them all well for whatever comes next.”
The departure of these cherished members marks the end of an era for the Scarlets, and they will undoubtedly be remembered as legends of the club. Good luck to all the departing players and staff in their future endeavours.
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