Payne to step down as Scarlets defence coach

Defence coach Jared Payne will leave Scarlets at the end of the current season.

The former Ireland international and British and Irish Lions tourist joined the Llanelli region from Clermont Auvergne in the summer of 2023.

He initially worked as an attack and backs coach before switching to defence.

"After much consideration, I have made the decision to step down from my role at the Scarlets at the end of the season," said Payne.

"My time at the club has been full of both rewarding and challenging moments that have grown me as a coach, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such a proud rugby organisation."

Scarlets interim director of rugby Nigel Davies credited Payne for playing an important role in developing emerging talent.

"Jared has made a significant contribution since joining the Scarlets. He is a highly respected coach with strong technical knowledge of the game and has worked extremely hard with our players over the past three seasons," said Davies.

Davies added that "a lot of hard work was under way" to develop the Scarlets rugby programme, including a new coaching structure for next season.

The former Wales centre returned to the club above head coach Dwayne Peel in January after a poor start to the season.