Peel relishing Scarlets’ Euro reunion with Jones

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Dwayne Peel and Stephen Jones played together for Scarlets, Wales and the British and Irish Lions

Dwayne Peel is relishing taking on his former Scarlets, Wales and British and Irish Lions half-back partner Stephen Jones, as well as his ex-Ulster boss Dan McFarland, when Newcastle Red Bulls visit Llanelli on Saturday (20:00 BST).

Peel and Jones' relationship off the field has also included being business partners in a restaurant.

But the friendships have been put on a brief hold ahead of their European Challenge Cup opener, with Peel saying: "We are in contact weekly, although we haven't spoken this week, weirdly."

McFarland now has Jones as his assistant guiding the English team who have struggled in recent seasons, but who are rebuilding on and off the field with fresh finance to call on.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Nigel Davies (right) signed a two-year contract in the summer to remain in charge of Dwayne Peel and Scarlets' playing structure

Peel was speaking to the media for the first time since Nigel Davies returned to Scarlets to work alongside him as director of rugby in January.

The 45-year-old Peel feels the change has freed him up to become a better coach, with more time to focus on his on-field duties.

"I enjoy working with him; I've known Nige for about 30 years now, so obviously I'm comfortable with him as a person," Peel said.

"We've been working well together and it means my job has changed a bit, it allows me to be on the field and look after the rugby.

"That has freed up a lot of duties and more time to focus on the rugby."

Peel hopes to have Wales back row Taine Plumtree available for selection once more after he trained with the squad on Tuesday following injury.

The Scarlets boss said a final call will be made on the 17-times capped Wales forward after assessing how his body reacts to full training.

Prop Corey Domachowski and fly-half Carwyn Leggatt-Jones remain a little further away from selection, while New Zealand lock Tom Allen is to join Scarlets this week from Super Rugby Pacific champions Hurricanes.

"It's good to have him [Plumtree]," Peel said. "Fletcher [Anderson] coming back last week was good. Tom Allen will arrive this week as well, which is another timely boost for us.

"Corey isn't too far away. We are hoping he will make the South Africa trip next week [to face Stormers and Bulls in the United Rugby Championship].

"We have a couple more boys to come back on top of that. It's positive from that perspective."

Coaching friendships will remain far from the rival camps' minds, with Peel laying out his side's approach against a team he believes will bring potent threats.

"As a club, we recognise the importance of having a good run in this tournament. We had a decent run at it a couple of years back," said Peel.

"Newcastle pose a challenge. There has been big investment in that club; they've signed big players and they are finding their feet."

He added: "I'm sure they will be ambitious about coming here. They try to keep the ball in hand. That will be the most difficult challenge for us."

Scarlets also face Lyon, Sharks and Castres in their European campaign.