The Scarlets have confirmed their defence coach Byron Hayward will leave at the end of the season.
Hayward is expected to be announced as part of Wayne Pivac’s new Wales backroom staff, taking over from Shaun Edwards.
He would join Pivac and Scarlets backs coach Stephen Jones in the Welsh set-up after the 2019 World Cup when Warren Gatland steps down.
All three will be presented with farewell prizes on the field after the Scarlets’ Guinness PRO14 game at home to Zebre this evening.
You can follow that match live here .
Former fly-half Hayward joined their coaching team in 2014 and played his part in the Guinness PRO12 title triumph in 2017 and reaching the Pro14 final and the semi-finals of the Champions Cup last season.
Scarlets general manager of rugby Jon Daniels said: “Byron has been a hugely respected member of our coaching team over the past five years.
“There was a lot said about our attacking game when we won the Championship a couple of years ago, but our defence was an integral part of that success. We wish him well in his next post.”
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It’s unclear what the current Wales defence coach Edwards will do after the World Cup.
He looked set for a return to rugby league when he was announced as Wigan’s replacement for Shaun Wane last August, but it’s emerged a contract had never been signed.
Meanwhile the Scarlets will also bid farewell to four released players today - back rower Will Boyde, South African lock David Bulbring, Exeter-bound second row Tom Price and young scrum-half Declan Smith.
Boyde, whose future is unclear after not being offered a contract extension, has taken to social media to post a farewell message ahead of the clash with Zebre.
“As the news has officially broken, this weekend will be my final game for the Scarlets at home,” said the 24-year-old.
“The childhood dream to play for the club came true and every time I wore the jersey, I did so with pride.
“I’m looking forward to playing infront of such an immense home crowd one last time.
“Thanks to everyone that’s helped me throughout the eight years at Parc y Scarlets and now to look forward to pastures new. Now time for a big win.”
