Llanelli is breeding ground for Wales – Fisher

By ROB COLE

PAUL Fisher has lost count of the number of caps won by the players who have come through the ranks at Llanelli RFC since he began coaching at the club 15 years ago.

So many of the Scarlets players who have graduated into the Wales and British & Irish Lions ranks first cut their teeth in the senior game playing in the Premiership for the original ‘Scarlets’.

Striking the balance between pushing for club honours and developing players for a higher grade of rugby isn’t an easy one and two seasons ago Fisher found himself battling against relegation to the WRU National Championship in a game against unbeaten Pontypool.

“There were a few sleepless nights before that game and, had we lost, the whole existence of the club could have been thrown into jeopardy,” recalled Fisher.

“It has been a tough couple of years for us and when rugby was cut short last season we were two off the bottom of the table. The clash with the Celtic Cup didn’t help us on either of those occasions.”

With the Celtic Cup not taking place when rugby resumes, Llanelli should have a better shot at moving up the table. They have been able to retain the bulk of last season’s squad and have added wing Harrison Button, scrum-half Tom Ham and former Wales U20 back rower Ellis Thomas.

“We’ve retained most of last season’s players and added a few new ones. We’ve also spoken to the Scarlets about players we might be able to use from their squad,” added Fisher.

“There is a good system within the region for giving players from the Academy and beyond the chance to play in the Premiership with Llanelli, Carmarthen Quins and Llandovery.

“I’ve been involved in the Premiership for 15 years as a coach and it is a great place for young players to learn their trade and get a first taste of the senior game.

“In the early years when I was involved with Llanelli I saw players like Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, and Liam Williams take their first steps towards regional and international rugby.

“Too often the Premiership is either underestimated or undervalued. It has been a huge development tool for the Scarlets.”