Scarlets weighing up Beirne options
SCARLETS head coach Wayne Pivac has spoken about the future of Tadhg Beirne amid growing speculation linking the in-form second row with a return to Ireland.
A report in the Irish media last week suggested that Beirne was set to turn down a contract offer with the Scarlets to join provincial heavyweights Munster.
A return to across the Irish Sea would significantly enhance Beirne’s ambitions of playing for his country — something accepted by Pivac at today’s press briefing at Parc y Scarlets.
“We would dearly love to keep Tadhg Beirne,” said the New Zealander.
“He has got burning ambitions to play for Ireland, like all our Welsh boys have to play for Wales and that is the way it should be.
“Part of it will be out of our control, but certainly we will be looking at other players as well.
“Tadhg Beirne came in from outside so if he were to go, I am sure we will find someone to replace him.”
Beirne has been a revelation since arriving from Leinster at the start of last season.
He played an integral role in the Scarlets’ title-winning campaign, scoring a try in the final against Munster, and has started the season in similar vein.
He is currently out in front for turnovers won in the Guinness PRO14, claiming four in a manof-the-match performance against Edinburgh last weekend.
Meanwhile, the Scarlets will be without No. 8 John Barclay, prop Samson Lee and scrumhalf Gareth Davies for their next league assignment, against Connacht in Llanelli on Friday night.
All three picked up knocks to the head during the 28-8 victory over the Scots and are undergoing the necessary Head Injury Assessment (HIA) protocols.
“We just have to see how they go on a daily basis to see if they are right for the next game,” added Pivac.
“They go through a process, Hadleigh Parkes passed his test on the day and he has passed another since, but the process has ruled the others out.
“We look at it as an opportunity for others in the squad to get out there and perform.
“We are not going to have 15 or 23 players to play for each game, that is not going to work for individuals.”
Prop Simon Gardiner is set to step into the match-day squad to make his first PRO14 appearance.