‘Scarlets is a really exciting brand... that’s exactly what I’m about too’
THIS week, the Scarlets finally revealed the identity of their new coach, with Crusaders assistant Brad Mooar set to replace Wayne Pivac in Llanelli.
The 44-year-old barrister has been an integral part of Scott Robertson’s Crusaders for the previous four seasons helping them to backto-back Super Rugby titles.
He will arrive in Llanelli in the summer eager to build on the good work done by future Wales coach Pivac.
WalesOnline spoke to Mooar yesterday about his ambitions for the Scarlets and the make-up of his backroom team.
How did the move come about?
“I got a phone call saying there was an opportunity at the Scarlets and they were keen to have a chat. I thought it sounded like a good idea to build relationships and have a chat with people to see what’s going on.
“I met Wayne Pivac previously and knew a bit about Scarlets. They’re an outstanding club with a great history, so they ticked a lot of boxes for me.”
How does the Scarlets name resonate in New Zealand?
“IT’S massive. People have got a lot of memories and can remember a certain scoreline from a few years ago when they beat the All Blacks.
“It’s a brand that’s really wellknown in New Zealand and a really strong club name. My phone has been buzzing red-hot since it’s been made public.
“A lot of people have had a lot of positive things to say about the Scarlets as a club and Llanelli as an area. It seems like a lot of Kiwis have had a lot of good times and memories over there.”
Did you sound anyone else out about coming over?
“I did my due diligence on the club and the people, it’s aspirations and it’s provisions to chase those aspirations.
“Most teams want to win, but have they got the off-field structure, resource, provision and leadership in place to be able to drive through towards those aspirations? That was a massive part of the decisionmaking that made Scarlets a really attractive proposition for myself and my wife.
“We talked to a lot of people. These things have to be confidential for both parties, so choosing who you get counsel from is really important.”
Are you looking forward to the challenge of being the number one coach?
“THAT’S a really exciting and invigorating position to be in. I think right now it’s Wayne’s side and he’s done such a good job with the team.
“They’ve won a title and been in the semi-final of the European Cup. He’s also really built an excellent management team and squad.
“It’s in a really strong position to kick on. I’m going in with my eyes wide open and I know there will be pressure of leaving Crusaders.
“I am really excited to work with some great people and to give them the support they need to thrive and be the best they can be.
“It’s not a one-man job at all and it’s important to have a strong team around you.”
Will you have a say in putting the backroom staff together?
“I’M really confident in the current staff and I’ll work around that with Wayne and Jon Daniels. It’s not a project that needs fixing, it’s a project that’s really ready to thrive and launch.
“That’s really exciting. The worst thing I can do is to come in and be shooting from the hip without any time spent getting to understand people and how they tick.
“We need a stable environment that’s cohesive with good continuity in the group which can help me settle in and do the job that I need to do. I don’t want to create an environment where people are looking over their shoulder worrying about where they’re at.
“I don’t see any need to do that. There may be the odd position that needs filling and we’ll get to that stage, but we need to work out how best to do that.”
Do you expect Stephen Jones to be a member of your backroom staff? (Jones is expected to join Wales, but this week said “nothing is definite”)
“I’M not sure of the exact position there whether he is in or out. If he heads off to Wales with Wayne I think it would be an awesome opportunity for him.
“If he doesn’t then it’s just another great man for me to work with as we look to take the Scarlets to the next level. If I am put in a position where I need to replace him then there will be some outstanding candidates to take that role on and work together to play an attractive brand of rugby that our fans can be proud of.”
How does a Brad Mooar side play?
“IT really aligns with the way the Scarlets play now in terms of wanting to attack space and keep the ball alive. Right throughout their history the Scarlets have been willing to use the ball and play what’s in front of them.
“It’s a really exciting brand and that’s what I’m about as well. Wherever the space is that’s where we need to attack whether that’s through the hands or using a kicking game.
“That’s an exciting opportunity with the squad we’ve got. That doesn’t mean to say that during certain parts of the game we won’t go to the air or go long down the field.
“I want a really balanced side and a side that’s able to dominate at set-pieces to get great ball and also spoil the opposition’s ball. I also want a back-line that’s able to play multiple game-plans and execute the opportunities that come up.
“On the other side of the ball, we need to be a side that’s really happy playing for each other and wants to work really hard in defence to dominate the opposition so that we get the ball back really quickly.”