Davies lost out to Gareth Jenkins for the Wales job

Former Leeds Tykes coach Davies has signed a three-year contract to succeed Gareth Jenkins at Stradey Park.

Davies, 42, who lost out to Jenkins for the Wales job last month, quit Leeds earlier this month after they were relegated from the English Premiership.

"I spent all my playing days at Llanelli and it's always been close to my heart. It was an easy decision to come back," Davies told BBC Sport.

Interview: Llanelli Scarlets new dirctor of rugby Phil Davies

"Once you've played for the Scarlets, it stays with you for life. It's a great place with lots of tradition."

Scarlets chief executive Stuart Gallacher said Davies was chosen from a shortlist of six applicants.

Coaching goes through stages and this is another stage in my development Scarlets director of rugby Phil Davies

Gallacher said: "I'm confident I've got the right man.

"I've deliberately taken my time, spoken to people whose opinion I respect because I wanted to make certain that the next guy is the right guy."

BBC Wales Sport understands careful consideration was given to an application from ACT Brumbies forwards coach and former Wallaby Ross Reynolds.

The Welsh region has also had interest from Wellington Hurricanes coach Ossie McClean and Irishman Michael Bradley, currently in charge of Connacht.

Cardiff Blues head coach Dai Young is also thought to have held talks with the Scarlets, but he opted to stay at the Arms Park.

THE PHIL DAVIES CV Born: Seven Sisters, 19/10/63 Career: Police officer Clubs: Llanelli (captain for six seasons), Leeds Position: No 8, lock Wales caps (1985-95): 46 1996-2001: Leeds player-coach, takes Tykes from Division Three to Premiership 2003: Leeds make Heineken Cup debut 2005: Leeds win Powergen Cup 2005: Leeds bottom of Premiership, gives up coaching role for director of rugby position 2006: Resigns as director of rugby at Leeds after their relegation from the Premiership 2006: Appointed Llanelli Scarlets director of rugby on three-year contract in May

Davies gave up his role as Leeds head coach last October to concentrate on his director of rugby position, but - despite a brief upturn in form - the Tykes failed to avoid the drop.

However, he did lead the Yorkshire club from Division Three to the Premiership in five years, took them into the Heineken Cup, and won the Powergen Cup last season.

He says his coaching apprenticeship in Yorkshire will stand his in good stead for the challenges at Stradey Park.

"I've had a great experience in Leeds and really enjoyed it," said the 46-capped former Wales lock and number eight.

"I've gone through varying periods of having to build a team to go into different competitions.

"In terms of learning, I think you continue to learn as long as you live. Coaching goes through stages and this is another stage in my development."

Davies added he will decide on his assistants "after having a look at what strengths we have".

Jenkins brought an end to a 24-year coaching stint at Stradey Park on Friday when the Scarlets hosted Ulster in their final Celtic League match of the season.

His assistant Nigel Davies also ended his long association with the club as he follows Jenkins to the Wales coaching set-up.