New deals for Hayward and Jones

Nov 21 • General News, Guinness Pro14 • 1833 Views • Comments Off on New deals for Hayward and Jones

Scarlets are delighted to confirm that coaches Stephen Jones and Byron Hayward have signed new deals with the region.

Scarlets Attack Coach Stephen Jones and Defence Coach Byron Hayward have both put pen to paper on new deals keeping them at the region for the next few years, just weeks after Head Coach Wayne Pivac signed a new contract keeping him in West Wales.

Carmarthen born Jones, who made over 300 appearances for Llanelli and Scarlets over a 14 year period, joined the Scarlets coaching team ahead of the 2015-16 season and helped mastermind Scarlets’ return to thrilling running rugby that was so evident on their journey to the Guinness PRO12 final in 2016-17.

Scarlets Attack Coach Stephen Jones said; “I am delighted and honoured to have extended my time at this wonderful region. I am fortunate to be working with a fantastic group of coaches and players and I am looking forward to continue to build on our success.

“On a personal level I am looking to continue to improve and develop our attacking game.”

Former Llanelli and Wales international Hayward joined the Scarlets in August 2014 as Defence Coach. The former fly half’s tireless work has seen a massive improvement in Scarlets’ defensive play with the region currently topping the chart for the least amount of tries scored against them in the Guinness PRO14 so far this season.

Scarlets Defence Coach Byron Hayward added; “I feel very fortunate and blessed to be working with the group of staff and players that I’m working with at the Scarlets. “The culture and environment we’ve developed over the last few years is very enjoyable and that was a fundamental part of me wanting to continue my time here at the Scarlets.

“We’re continuously pushing to raise the standards and the players keep challenging us as coaches. Every year we’re reinforcing our defence principles and all of the players fully understand what we’re trying to achieve. It’s great to see that they have the mindset of always wanting to evolve and get better.”

Commenting on the news Head Coach Wayne Pivac said; “A huge part of the region’s success is the management team that we’ve put together. Both Steve and Byron are a big part of that and the chemistry amongst the coaches is very good.

“Being in a position to continue as a management group, and continue to develop the squad, is a big boost for the region.”

Jon Daniels, Scarlets General Manager of Rugby, added; “Following on from the recent announcement that Wayne has extended his stay here we are really pleased to confirm that we’re in a position to retain this group of coaches going forward.

“We’re excited to see what the whole group can deliver, not only this season but going forward over the next couple of years too.”