The former Wales outside-half will return to West Wales ahead of next season after finding his feet in the world of coaching under the guidance of former Cardiff Blues coach Young. And the former Wales prop has backed Jones to make a big impact, just as he did in his playing days at Parc Y Scarlets.
Young said: “He has cut his teeth with us and done a fantastic job. The improvement he has made from his first year to his second has been outstanding. He has taken to coaching like a duck to water. We always felt Steve would make his way back home to Wales.
“I’ve got no doubt he can go all the way as a coach. I absolutely believe he is an international coach of the future. He knows the game inside-out, he was a real student of the game when he played, and he has the same work ethic now as a coach.
“I had Rob Howley with me as well for just over a season and I see Steve as equal to Rob after his first couple of seasons. Rob has kicked on and done a great job for Wales and I don’t see any reason why Steve shouldn’t do the same, given the opportunity.”
Jones will oversee the Scarlets’ scintillating back division when he takes the reigns this pre-season. And having scored a total of over 4,500 career points, Young reckons Jones will only increase their backline threat.
He said: “The Scarlets back line is very exciting, so he has plenty to work with there. He’s looking forward to going home. He’s enjoyed his time with us, but he’s going home and the Scarlets players will learn a lot from him.”
