Gareth Jenkins was in charge of Wales for 18 months
Former Wales coach Gareth Jenkins is returning to his first job in rugby since being sacked by the Welsh Rugby Union after 2007's World Cup exit.
The Llanelli Scarlets have announced the 56-year-old will be taking up a newly-created role as head of regional development and recruitment.
The Scarlets' Stuart Gallacher said they were pleased to appoint someone of Jenkins's calibre.
Jenkins's return to Stradey Park had been rumoured for several weeks.
His appointment is the latest in the Scarlets' restructuring.
Phil Davies was sacked as Scarlets director of rugby at the end of April 2008 before former Wales caretaker coach Nigel Davies was appointed head coach in May, and last week two Australian coaches were appointed to the backroom staff.
Jenkins had kept a low profile since being unceremoniously sacked by the WRU after Wales crashed out of the World Cup, although he has been involved in some media activities and helped coach London Welsh.
He now returns to the Scarlets in a role to strengthen the region's links with grassroots rugby and to attract world-class players.
The Scarlets said his job would involve four key areas: academy development; semi-professional development with both Llanelli RFC and Llandovery RFC; strengthening links with clubs and communities across the region from north Wales to Llanelli and player recruitment both from Wales and worldwide.
Chief executive Stuart Gallacher said: "I can't think of anyone better qualified or experienced for this job.
"This is a massive boost to our relationship with grassroots rugby. Gareth knows this region like no other and has excellent contacts that will benefit the Scarlets and all those linked to us."
Jenkins said he was delighted to be returning to the region.
"This is an exciting opportunity and a vitally important role in the region; it's the second part of a big equation where regional development provides vital support to team performance," he said.
Jenkins had taken a lead role in the development of the region when he was director of rugby at the Scarlets before he became Wales coach in 2006.
However, his new role will not involve any hands-on coaching.
"Jenkins has an unrivalled track record with the Scarlets spanning 20 years, with 10 years as director of rugby in the professional era in which he took the Scarlets to seven European quarter-finals and two semi-finals," the Scarlets have said.
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