**Seven Scarlets Players Set for Exit as Sherratt Emerges as Option to Lead Wales Tour**
In a significant development within Welsh rugby, the Scarlets have confirmed that seven players, including two capped internationals, will depart the club at the conclusion of the current season. This announcement comes as Dwayne Peel’s side prepares for their final home fixture in the United Rugby Championship (URC), hosting Leinster at Parc y Scarlets this Saturday. A special presentation is planned after the final whistle to honour the contributions and commitment of the departing players in front of home supporters.
Among those leaving, Steff Evans stands out as one of the highest-profile names. Evans, who has spent 11 seasons with the Scarlets clocking up an impressive 190 appearances, was instrumental in the club’s memorable 2017 PRO12 title triumph. He departs as one of Welsh rugby’s leading try-scorers in URC history, boasting 54 tries – a score matched by teammate Gareth Davies. The club’s faithful will undoubtedly remember Evans for his attacking flair and consistency over more than a decade of service.
Also confirmed to be moving on is Ioan Lloyd, who is set to join Cardiff following the conclusion of this campaign. Lloyd’s departure was announced last month. Alex Craig, named the Scarlets’ player’s player last season, is bound for Glasgow Warriors after recently reclaiming a place in the Scotland national setup. The exits continue with Shaun Evans – who transitioned from flanker to hooker during his career – as well as recent recruits Charlie Titcombe, Efan Jones, and Ed Scragg all bringing their brief spells with the region to an end.
Reflecting on the departures, head coach Dwayne Peel commented, “It is always a sad time to say goodbye to players who are moving on, but I’d like to thank each one of them for their commitment to the club and the Scarlets badge during their time here. A special mention to Steff, who has been a part of the senior squad for more than a decade, producing many memorable moments that will be cherished by supporters.” Peel also noted that discussions remain ongoing with other players, with the full retained squad list for next season yet to be finalised.
Away from Llanelli, attention also turns to the future leadership of the Wales national team. Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Abi Tierney confirmed that Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt is under active consideration to guide Wales on their summer tour of Japan. With the hunt for a permanent head coach ongoing, Steve Tandy has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Warren Gatland but, due to existing commitments with Scotland, may not be in a position to take charge for the July Test series. That leaves Sherratt, who had a stint as interim head coach during the latter half of the Six Nations, and Harlequins’ Danny Wilson as the leading options to oversee the team on an interim basis.
Speaking at a press briefing to introduce new WRU director of rugby Dave Reddin, Tierney maintained that the search for a new head coach was “rigorous”, while not ruling out Sherratt’s return for the Japan tour. Reddin echoed the sentiment, explaining, “There’s a long list of candidates and my job now is to get into the detail. It’s about making the right appointment, which will take a little more time.” He acknowledged Tandy’s name was among a vast pool of world rugby coaches under consideration.
Another key fixture this weekend sees Ospreys bid farewell to Adam Beard, with the Wales lock declared fit to start against the Dragons after recovering from injury. Fan favourite Dan Lydiate is also set to play his final match in Wales before joining the Dragons’ coaching team in the summer, after announcing his retirement at the end of the season. The Dragons’ side features debutant Harry Rees-Weldon on the wing, part of seven changes made by head coach Filo Tiatia.
Scarlets, meanwhile, have made four changes to their line-up for their vital meeting with URC pace-setters Leinster, welcoming back Wales fly-half Sam Costelow after a lengthy injury spell. Johnny Williams also returns, with Joe Roberts and Ryan Elias named in the starting team. As the Scarlets sit just outside the play-off positions, Peel highlighted the significance of the fixture, describing Leinster as likely “in the best form in world club rugby” and urging his team to be both “bold and brave”.
As the rugby season enters its closing stages, the departures and prospective coaching changes stand as reminders of both the challenges and opportunities facing Welsh rugby – with fans hoping for fitting send-offs and brighter futures as the action unfolds.