Nigel Davies makes feelings clear on first Scarlets performance as English star walks out on club
Rugby Evening Headlines – Sunday, January 18
Nigel Davies insists Scarlets have set their benchmark under his leadership after taking positives from his first game in charge, despite another setback in Europe. The interim director of rugby saw his side bow out of the Champions Cup with defeat at Northampton Saints, a result which confirmed Scarlets will finish bottom of their pool after losing all four matches in the competition.
Costly home defeats to Bristol Bears and Pau had already left qualification hopes hanging by a thread, and while Scarlets could have dropped into the Challenge Cup, their European campaign is now over entirely — leaving them with a two-week break at the start of April.
However, Davies believes the performance at Franklin’s Gardens offered genuine encouragement as his attention turns firmly to dragging Scarlets off the foot of the United Rugby Championship table and into contention with their Welsh rivals.
“I was delighted by how we took the challenge on,” Davies said. “I’ve told the players they’ve set their standards this week with how they’ve applied themselves mentally and physically.”
Saracens face a demanding run in the URC, hosting Ulster before trips to Benetton, Edinburgh, and Connacht, with the Six Nations break interrupting their campaign.
While Davies was pleased with the attitude and intent shown against Northampton, he was quick to identify discipline as a major issue. Scarlets conceded 15 penalties and repeatedly found themselves on the wrong side of referee Kevin Bralley. “The difference against Northampton was our scrum,” Davies added. “If we had parity then we would have won.”
Saints boss Phil Dowson was impressed with the west Walian side, stating that their performance was no surprise given their recent play, and he highlighted their solid defense as well.
Joel Kpoku Leaves Section Paloise
In other news, former Saracens lock Joel Kpoku has left Section Paloise with immediate effect, walking away from the Top 14 side despite having 18 months remaining on his contract. Pau confirmed on Friday that Kpoku requested an early release from the deal he signed in 2023, which had been due to run until the summer of 2027.
The club agreed to the request, effectively ending Kpoku’s tenure at the club after just a season and a half. He made only five appearances during the current campaign, with only two starts, leading to his unhappiness at the club.
Kpoku is now a free agent available to join a new side immediately. Once regarded as one of the most imposing locks in the Premiership, his promising career had seen a revitalization in France after leaving Saracens in 2021.
Bristol Bears vs. Bordeaux
Bristol were outgunned in their duel with Bordeaux for top spot in Pool Four of the Investec Champions Cup after falling 27-15 at a rain-soaked Ashton Gate. Bordeaux secured their position at the top of the group, capitalizing on Bristol’s mistakes during challenging conditions.
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