Scarlets set to lose coach Easterby

Scarlets head coach Simon Easterby is set to leave the Welsh region to become Ireland's new forward's coach.

The 38-year-old will replace John Plumtree, who has stepped down from the role to return to New Zealand.

Easterby will leave after two years in charge at Parc y Scarlets and former team-mate Dafydd Jones, the ex-Wales back-row, says he will be missed.

"It's a big loss.. he worked hard as a player and he does that as a coach," said former Scarlets flanker Jones.

"I just think this opportunity was too good to turn down. He's a young coach, a great coach and it's no surprise that he's been targetted."

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“Simon Easterby has put the foundations in place... and he leaves a big gap behind”

Dafydd Jones Former Wales and Scarlets back-row Easterby played 65 times for Ireland and remains their most capped flanker, but played the majority of his domestic career in west Wales.

He joined Llanelli RFC in 1999 after playing for Leeds Carnegie in his native Yorkshire - both Easterby and his brother Guy qualified for Ireland through their mother - and went on to captain Scarlets when the regional team was formed.

Easterby retired from international rugby in 2008 and from all rugby in 2010 due to a knee injury but continued with Scarlets as defence coach, a role he held for two seasons.

In June 2012 he was named as Scarlets head coach, replacing the Gloucester-bound Nigel Davies.

"He's a proud Irishman, he captained them in his playing days and obviously he's well thought of," Jones added.

"He's been great to Llanelli, to the Scarlets for a number of years and... best wishes to him moving forward.

"It's been difficult over the last couple of years for him, he's a young coach and he wants that success, but he's put the foundations in place... and he leaves a big gap behind."

Scarlets' coaching team has seen a number of changes during recent months, with forwards coach Danny Wilson joining Bristol for next season.

New Zealander Wayne Pivac had been recruited to join the Scarlets as assistant coach ahead of the 2014-2015 season, but Pivac could now take over as head coach.


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