Kiwi legend Fitzpatrick joins board at Scarlets

SCARLETS have pulled off a major coup with the news that former New Zealand captain Sean Fitzpatrick is joining their board.

And the ex-hooker immediately endeared himself to the locals by declaring: “I feel I have a personal connection with Welsh rugby: it’s in my blood.”

It’s hard to imagine the Scarlets could have reeled in a bigger name.

Fitzpatrick played 92 Tests for the All Blacks between 1986 and 1997, leading the side on 51 occasions. A member of the Kiwis’ World Cup-winning squad in 1987, he is recognised as an authentic rugby great and a figure of huge stature.

Now a respected media analyst and motivational speaker, he is chairman of the Laureus World Sport Academy and has been a board member at Gallagher Premiership club Harlequins since 2008.

He joins the Scarlets as a non-executive director and global ambassador, becoming part of a board that has this week seen Simon Muderack take from Nigel Short as executive chairman.

“I’m hugely excited to be joining a club with such a rich history,” said the 57-year-old, pictured left.

“The tradition and the passion is so similar to New Zealand and the Scarlets is the closest to a New Zealand environment I have experienced, completely community based, with a total focus on the development of local talent and pride in their achievement.

“The development structures are outstanding. That is shown by the number of academy players who come through and earn senior contracts and also go on and win international honours, similarly with the coaching structures.

“As for the facilities at Parc y Scarlets, they are as good as I have seen anywhere around the world.

“I remember touring here; I played in the ‘89 game at Stradey Park in the rain and gales and experienced that West Wales passion first hand.

“I also feel I have a personal connection with Welsh rugby: it is in my blood. My father played against Wales in the 1953 match – the last time Wales beat the All Blacks – and greats like Phil Bennett and Gareth Edwards were my childhood heroes.”

The tour game in Llanelli in 1989 saw New Zealand win a memorable encounter 11-0, with the visitors defying a storm-force wind after the break with one of the great displays of ballretention. Typically, Fitzpatrick was to the fore.

His appointment is a prestige one for the Scarlets which will give a sheen to their brand at home and abroad.

“I see this as a real opportunity to have an influence and help grow this great game.”

Welcoming Fitzpatrick to the region, new man-at-the-top Muderack said: “To have been able to secure someone of Sean’s talent speaks volumes not only about the ambition of the Scarlets to become a global brand in the world of rugby, but also of the attractiveness of what we have here and what the club has built.”