Davies named Scarlets captain

Leigh Davies today replaced Scott Quinnell as Llanelli captain for the coming season.

Quinnell decided to step down from his role with the Heineken Cup finalists to concentrate on his role as Wales skipper.

Davies, who will lead the Scarlets on their pre-season tour of Slovenia, was named as the British Lions replacement after showing his leadership qualities in the Scarlets’ back line.

Director of rugby Gareth Jenkins said: ‘‘Leigh is a key decision-maker in the back line and has proved himself to be a responsible and reliable player, with all the attributes of a top-class rugby professional.’’

Davies joined Llanelli from Bristol in 2000 and after making his international debut as a teenager has now amassed 20 Wales caps.

Vernon Cooper has been named as Davies’ right-hand man, replacing Stephen Jones as vice-captain.

Llanelli are off to Eastern Europe for the second pre-season tour as part of their outreach programme.

Davies added: ‘‘Our trip to Hungary really helped to kick-start the season last summer and we are hoping Slovenia can give us the same preparation.

‘‘But the trip is also about spreading the gospel of rugby in Eastern Europe, part of an outreach programme we’ve been running for a number of years now.’’