By David Williams
Former Wales defence and forwards coach Leigh Jones has been appointed as the new rugby performance director for the Scarlets.
In this role, Jones will once again collaborate with head coach Dwayne Peel. Their professional relationship dates back to when Jones was part of the Wales coaching team under Graham Henry, who awarded Peel his first cap in 2001.
Jones brings a wealth of experience to the position, having worked alongside Eddie Jones as an assistant and spending six years in Hong Kong.
During his time there, he served as head coach and later as the head of the Elite Rugby Programme.
The 64-year-old’s most recent post was leading rugby operations for Leicester Tigers, including being part of the team that saw them win the Gallagher Premiership in 2022.
Scarlets are delighted to announce that Leigh Jones will join the club as our new Rugby Performance Director
Mae’r Scarlets wedi cyhoeddi y bydd Leigh Jones yn ymuno â’r clwb fel Cyfarwyddwr Perfformiad Rygbi newydd
Story 🔗 https://t.co/Sa4qW8jST5
Croeso Leigh#YmaOHyd pic.twitter.com/pP4YgywqO5
— Scarlets Rugby (@scarlets_rugby) July 1, 2024
The Scarlets have specified that Jones will work alongside Peel to “build and deliver a winning team based on a strong vision and performance culture.”
The head coach will still, however, be in charge of matters on the field, as well as any transfers.
“It is a privilege to join the Scarlets,” Jones said.
“It is a club with such a rich and successful heritage in rugby and one known and respected globally for developing some of Wales’ best players over the decades.
“The exciting part is there are more talented Scarlets players to come through in the future. I’m looking forward to playing my part in helping clear the runway to support Dwayne and his team to see this great club back where it belongs on the field.
“My role at Scarlets will be very similar to my work with Leicester Tigers, where I was responsible for overall rugby operations, across pathways, analysis, medical, physical development, recruitment and women’s rugby working closely to support the Head Coach.
“At this point in my career, my focus and motivation is using my experience to help develop people – both coaches and rugby support staff, equipping and supporting them to be the best they can be and helping them reach their potential.
“I am excited and keen to get started and look forward to working with the coaches and players when pre-season starts in early July.
“It’s good to be working back in Welsh rugby at a time when there’s a lot of hard work ahead, important contributions to be made and significant challenges to face.”
Leicester Tigers can confirm that General Manager Leigh Jones will depart the club in the summer.
Richard Wigglesworth and CEO Andrea Pinchen have paid tribute to Jones. See it here 👇
— Leicester Tigers (@LeicesterTigers) May 19, 2023
Peel said: “Leigh has a depth and range of experience delivering world-class rugby performance programmes so he understands fully what it takes to build a winning team. We are looking forward to working closely with him and for the knowledge and experience he’ll bring to our rugby environment.
“We are working hard on building a competitive squad, with exciting new players keen to make an impact joining us this summer plus we are retaining a group of key Scarlets leaders on the field and our best emerging talent.
“With Leigh’s appointment as well, there’s a lot to be excited and positive about as Scarlets ahead of a new season.”
Leicester Tigers have hired Leigh Jones as their general manager.
Jones, the current performance manager for Hong Kong, will be responsible for the club's off-field performance.
This includes managing the training ground, and helping head coach Steve Borthwick with recruitment. pic.twitter.com/FgBdYBaIF8
— BBC Sport Leicester (@BBCRLSport) March 2, 2021