DELANEY MAKES AN EARLY EXIT
GLENN Delaney has left his position as head coach of the Scarlets with immediate effect.
The decision was announced less than an hour after Delaney had taken charge of the Rainbow Cup victory over the Ospreys on Saturday.
His departure comes less than three weeks after it was announced he was being promoted to director of rugby next season.
Former scrum-half Dwayne Peel returns to Scarlets as head coach next season.
Backs coach Dai Flanagan will take charge of the side as interim head coach for the remainder of the Rainbow Cup campaign.
In a Scarlets statement, Delaney said: “Today I announce that I will be leaving the Scarlets.
“It has been a great pleasure to coach this fantastic club.
“It has been the most difficult of seasons with the global pandemic creating many challenging issues that the staff and team here have dealt with incredibly well.
“I leave with great memories of two wonderful years out west.
“We have enjoyed some great times, which in the first year we were able to share with the supporters being there.
“I won’t forget the European games away to Toulon, Bayonne and London Irish where the travelling support was simply unbelievable.
“Our Champions Cup match against Bath this season was one that I know the travelling faithful would have loved. I know that the club is in great hands moving forward into the new season and I wish it nothing but the best.
“I want to say a huge thank you to the great staff and the outstanding playing group here at the Scarlets and of course the supporters.
“I’ve loved every day working with you all.”
Delaney joined the Scarlets as defence coach ahead of the 2019-20 season, replacing Byron Hayward in the role before taking over as head coach from Brad Mooar for the 202021 campaign after Mooar took up a job with New Zealand.
The Scarlets finished third in their PRO14 conference in the 2020-21 season and suffered a 57-14 Champions Cup last-16 defeat against Sale.
Peel is arriving in Llanelli after a tug-of-war with Cardiff Blues. The former Wales scrum-half had signed a contract with the Arms Park side, but it quickly became clear the Scarlets wanted him on board and his arrival was confirmed after former Blues backs coach Matt Sherratt agreed a move back to Cardiff.
Scarlets executive chairman Simon Muderack said: “We would like to thank Glenn for his wholehearted commitment to the Scarlets during his time here and wish him well for the future.”