Scarlets appoint Aaron Dundon as Lead Forwards Coach

Scarlets are delighted to announce the appointment of Aaron Dundon as the club's Lead Forwards Coach ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Widely respected as one of Irish rugby's brightest forward coaches, Dundon arrives in West Wales with a reputation for technical excellence, meticulous preparation and developing high-performing packs that consistently perform under pressure.

Born in New Zealand, and a former Leinster player (49 appearances), Dundon has built an impressive coaching CV across the professional game, holding coaching roles with Leinster Rugby, Ireland U20s, FC Grenoble, Ulster Rugby and La Rochelle and has coached in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship (Tasman Mako Rugby NZ) - giving him first-hand experience of some of the world's leading rugby systems.

His philosophy centres on relentless preparation, technical excellence, accountability and creating environments where players continually challenge themselves to improve.

Dundon arrives at Scarlets from Leinster Rugby’s coaching team on the back of a season which saw the Irish province win impressive back-to-back BKT United Rugby Championship titles.

As Scarlets’ Lead Forwards Coach, Dundon will oversee the Scarlets' forwards programme, bringing together the scrum, line-out, maul and collision areas into one aligned identity and driving standards to build a physical, competitive pack capable of challenging the best teams in the URC.

Dundon's appointment forms part of a wider strengthening of the Scarlets coaching group as preparations continue for the new BKT URC season. He will work closely alongside Scarlets’ current specialist line-out coach Albert van de Berg, and Bradley Davies (Contact Area).

Nigel Davies said: "Aaron is someone who has been highly recommended by people whose opinions I trust enormously. Every conversation came back to the same qualities; his technical expertise, his preparation, attention to detail and ability to develop forward packs that consistently perform under pressure.

“He has developed within one of the strongest coaching systems in world rugby and has worked alongside some outstanding coaches throughout his career. Just as importantly, he is passionate about developing players, building strong relationships and continually driving standards. He is a forward-thinking coach who challenges standards, embraces innovation and builds strong relationships with players.

"We wanted someone who could lead our entire forwards programme while ensuring every area works together. Aaron brings that leadership, but he also understands the importance of collaboration.

"Albert (van den Berg) is doing an outstanding job at Scarlets in developing our team to have one of the strongest lineouts in the URC competition and his expertise remains a hugely important part of our coaching group. Bringing Aaron into the environment allows us to build on those strengths while creating greater alignment across every aspect of our forwards play."

Davies also paid tribute to Emyr Phillips, who has supported the senior squad with the scrum while simultaneously leading the Scarlets Academy. Phillips will now move to a full-time role leading the Scarlets Academy in 2026-27.

Davies added: "I would also like to recognise the outstanding contribution Emyr Phillips has

made in balancing senior scrum coaching alongside leading our academy over the last few seasons. Aaron’s appointment now allows Emyr to focus fully on his vital role in our Academy and develop the next generation of Scarlets players, which is fundamental to the long-term future of our club.”

Aaron Dundon said: "Joining a club with the history, ambition and identity of the Scarlets is a fantastic opportunity and one I'm incredibly excited about.

"I'm looking forward to working closely with Dwayne Peel, Nigel Davies and the rest of the coaching team to help drive the club forward.

"My coaching philosophy is built on relentless preparation, attention to detail and creating a set-piece that gives the team a genuine platform to play. With a physical and dominant set-piece, the talented players in this squad can express themselves and play the exciting and expansive brand of rugby the Scarlets are renowned for.

"There's a huge amount of potential within this group.  The club has a fantastic squad which is building and I'm excited by what we can achieve together. The passion and backing of the Scarlets supporters are well-known throughout the game globally and I can't wait to get started and help strengthen the team and build performances the region identifies with and is proud of.”