Rupert Moon played 272 games over 12 years for Llanelli

The Scarlets have appointed former Wales scrum-half Rupert Moon as the region's new commercial director.

Moon, 41, rejoins the Scarlets after retiring as a player in 2002 after winning 24 Wales caps.

"I have long since committed myself to the Scarlets in heart and soul and this is a chance for me to pin my colours to the mast," said Moon

"This is a dream job for me. There is plenty to do but equally plenty to work with."

Added Moon: "We have a fantastic stadium, strong and loyal support, a team which is investing for the future and lining up Wales' future stars, a heritage which is the envy of all and a strong commercial and operations team.

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"This region and its supporters are unique in rugby, there is a passion and loyalty to Scarlets rugby which cannot be paralleled anywhere.

"And the future is about connecting fully with that support, listening to our community and exciting our partners and supporters on and off the pitch.

"There is plenty to look forward to in the future as we seek to engage further with our supporters and reap the commercial benefits that the fantastic Parc y Scarlets can offer.

"We have some exciting new initiatives in the pipeline for our supporters and the rugby region as a whole and I am anxious to get started."

Moon joins the region at a difficult time which has seen poor results and disappointing crowds at Parc y Scarlets since the move to the new stadium last year.

He also takes up the post just after the retirement of chief executive Stuart Gallacher, who has been in his position for the last 13 years, and the departure of managing director Gareth Davies.

During the past seven years, Moon has been employed by the Welsh Rugby Union, the Millennium Stadium and most recently as UK Marketing Director for Wales' largest insurance brokers, Protectagroup.

Moon, who lives in Drefach, Llanelli, will join the Scarlets on 1 June from Protectagroup, where he has been for the past 18 months.

On Moon's appointment, interim Scarlets chief executive, Ian Kirby, said: "This is a highly influential and important role within the region.

"He knows this region very well, understands what is means to be a Scarlet both as a player and as a supporter and understands the nature of our rugby business and community.

"He will translate this knowledge into a new campaign of commercial activities that will enhance our off field performance as we build a viable and modern rugby business that stays true to its values and competes and operates successfully."

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