BLAINA'S Byron Hayward has penned a fresh two-year deal to stay as the Scarlets' defence coach, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 46-year-old former Wales international headed to Llanelli in August 2014 from his job as academy skills coach with the Newport Gwent Dragons academy.

Hayward, who played for Abertillery, Ebbw Vale and Pontypool amongst other clubs, will now stay working under head coach Wayne Pivac and alongside new backs coach Stephen Jones until at least the end of the 2017/18 season.

"I'm very pleased to have extended my time here at the Scarlets," he said. "Last season was very much a bedding in period for myself, particularly coming in late and missing the pre-season, but I see us going places as a region and the potential within the squad is massive.

"I'm very fortunate to work with a very honest and hard-working group of players. Defensively we still have a long way to go but the potential is exciting.

"I'm grateful to Wayne for allowing me to do my job from day one and has backed me 100 per cent.

"The coaching group is very compatible; myself and Steve see the game in a similar way which allows for a seamless transfer between our defence and attack work."