HARDY’S BANKING ON PEEL FACTOR
KIERAN Hardy believes his boyhood hero Dwayne Peel can help him nail down the Wales scrum-half shirt this season.
Hardy was just eight years old when his father took him to Stradey Park to see Scarlets scrum-half Peel clinch the Celtic League title back in 2004.
Seventeen years on, Peel is now coaching Hardy and the 25-year-old will be hoping the influence of the former Wales and Lions scrum-half can help him cement a place in Wayne Pivac’s plans this year.
Hardy has impressed since he arrived on the Test scene, with the scrum-half battle between himself, Tomos Williams and Scarlets teammate and summer Lions tourist Gareth Davies far from settled.
“It’s a really exciting opportunity for me,” Hardy told the WRU website.
“Dwayne is someone who was such a good player in his time and has such experience to call upon.
“He also has not been that long retired from the game.
“I am obviously trying to pick his brain and soak up as much knowledge as I can.
“I am able to ask him his opinion on certain situations that a nine might find himself in.
“We have had conversations about how to do things as a scrum-half.
“For me, it’s about learning from him and trying to improve my game every week.
“He gives all the nines the confidence to express ourselves and when we see the opportunities we can take them.
“When we go away with Wales, I am sure he will watch those games closely as well and have an opinion for us.
“It’s about constantly looking for improvement.”
Hardy, who made his mark on the Test scene last season with his try in the Six Nations victory over England, has always looked up to Peel.
Hardy grew up in Pontyberem, with Peel hailing from nearby Tumble.
And that match against Ulster back in 2004 is the one that he remembers better than most.
“The one game that really sticks out is when we beat Ulster to win the old Celtic League,” he added.
“I remember going with my dad and have very fond memories of those games.
“Dwayne was one of the key players – a real leader on the field.
“Every time I watched him play, he always seemed to play well.
“I grew up watching Dwayne playing for the Scarlets and Wales and I can also remember him playing for the Lions as well.
“So, it’s great to have someone like him on board – someone who knows the club and is passionate about the Scarlets.
“He’s been real asset since he came in.”
Hardy started for the Scarlets in their 26-22 defeat by Edinburgh on Saturday.