Scarlets must rely on youngsters

Ex-captain Simon Easterby says the Scarlets must learn to rely on youth rather than big-name overseas signings.

Easterby has a new role as player-forwards coach after Paul Moriarty's role fell victim of cash restraints.

"We haven't gone after the big overseas signings we have in the past and that's maybe not a bad thing," said Easterby.

The Scarlets' major summer signings are prop Rhys Thomas and wing Sean Lamont. Easterby added: "I think youth policy is going to come to the fore."

The west Wales region have also recruited once-capped flanker Richie Pugh from Exeter, Wales Under-20 scrum-half Tavis Knoyle from Neath and Newport Gwent Dragons centre Gareth Maule.

There may also be a bigger role for young lock Aaron Shingler after he impressed at club level with Llanelli last season.

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The Scarlets also hope to avoid a recurrence of the injuries that left them region short of resources at some stages last season.

But youngsters like Daniel Evans, Jonathan Davies and Josh Turnbull are expected to have benefitted from their experience on the Wales tour of North America.

"We finished last season with 12 or 13 players under 23 in the final XV [Magners League fixture] against Ulster and that's great for the future," said Easterby.

"We've obviously got to be realistic about our chances in all competitions, but we're confident that if we keep a clean bill of health we'll go well."

Easterby, who has seen the captaincy handed to Wales wing Mark Jones, says his new role in charge of the forwards came out of the blue.

"It's come about a bit unexpectedly but I'm looking forward to combining my roles," said Easterby.

"I took some coaching badges last year, I linked up with the Scarlets Under-20s and I've picked up a lot of things along the way.

"I'm not young any more and I've had a lot of experienced coaches."

Comparing the Scarlets' resources to those of the neighbouring Ospreys, Easterby said: "We have to be realistic.

"We have made big-money signings in the past and they haven't always come off while players without reputations have come here and done particularly well.

"We're realistic about our chances, we've got to be comfortable with that, go with youth and make sure we follow through with everything we do."

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