Kelly has been promoted from his role within the Academy at the west Wales region and will be joined in the new look coaching team by former All Black Ben Franks. The double World Cup winner is taking over from Ioan Cunningham as scrum coach.
Richard Whiffin is promoted to the role of attack coach, having been an assistant since last summer. He will continue to join forces with backs coach Dai Flanagan.
The shake-up in the coaching regime at Parc y Scarlets has come about following the departure of head coach Brad Mooar, who is returning to New Zealand to become involved in the All Blacks team. Glenn Delaney has stepped-up into his position from defence coach.
Kelly, 32, stepped into coaching when his promising playing career as a second row at both the ospreys and Scarlets was cut short through injury. He has been part of the Scarlets coaching system since 2015.
He acted as head coach at Welsh Premiership side Carmarthen Quins for two seasons, headed up the coaching team with Scarlets A team in the Celtic Cup and been the forwards coach for Wales U20 for the last 18 months.
“My role in the Academy was primarily working with the development players in the senior group and that allowed me to get to know the players well. It also enabled me to build strong relationships with the wider squad,” said Kelly.
“I’m looking forward to strengthening those relationships next season and I’d like to thank Brad and Ioan for their work last year. I was lucky enough to have some excellent support from them.
“I’m excited to work with Glenn and to be a part of the new coaching group. There is a real energy and excitement around what we are planning and we can’t wait to get into it and get moving.”
The 36-year-old Franks will be stepping into coaching for the first time after ending his illustrious playing career at Northampton Saints. He won 47 caps for New Zealand and was an unused replacement in their 2011 World Cup final triumph over France in Auckland and came on during the 2015 victory over Australia at Twickenham.
He won Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders in 2006 and 2008 and joined London irish after the 2015 World Cup. It was there that he first worked with Delaney before playing for the past two seasons at Northampton.
“Coaching is something I’d always planned to do when I finished playing and I was delighted when this opportunity came with the Scarlets,” said Franks.
“I’ve learned a lot from previous coaches and from playing over here for the last four or five years and I’m excited to be working alongside Glenn and the other coaches. I’m sure they will all push me and help me develop as a coach.
“There is a great mix of experienced internationals and youth in the squad at the Scarlets. I’m looking forward to linking up with everyone.”
Franks will head to Llanelli once his contract has been completed at Northampton this summer, while everyone else on the coaching team is already in place.
“I’m delighted to bring Rich Kelly into the senior coaching team after the work he has done with the Academy, A side and the Wales U20 and also to welcome someone of Ben’s calibre to the Scarlets. Both bring a broad skill set,” said Delaney.
“Rich is highly respected and has coached in our system for a number of seasons. He has been instrumental in the growth of our young players, a number of whom are stepping up to the senior squad for the coming season.
“Ben’s playing record speaks for itself – he is a double World Cup winner. I know him well from my days with my original club Linwood back in New Zealand and also with Irish and he is the ultimate professional.
“He started his senior coaching journey as a player coach with London Irish and has continued to coach club rugby outside of his playing commitments.
“As a group we are excited about coming together when rugby resumes following this lockdown period. We are all looking forward to building on what Brad has put in place this season.”
