Llanelli Scarlets are expected to confirm later today the departure of their rugby director Phil Davies, with speculation mounting that former Wales coach Gareth Jenkins could make a dramatic Stradey Park return.

Davies' two-season reign was highlighted by Llanelli reaching the Heineken Cup semi-finals last year, when they bowed out against Leicester.

But the Scarlets failed to register a point in their Heineken qualifying pool this term, losing all six games, while they also made little impact on the Magners League and EDF Energy Cup.

Former Llanelli and Wales forward Davies, 44, was appointed Scarlets boss after leaving a similar role with Leeds.

Jenkins, meanwhile, is understood to be in the frame for an elite performance director role at Llanelli.

He was axed as Wales boss following a dismal World Cup campaign last autumn, paying the price for pool stage elimination at the hands of Fiji in Nantes.

Jenkins was replaced by New Zealander Warren Gatland, who then masterminded a second RBS 6 Nations title and Grand Slam for Wales in four seasons.

During Jenkins' long reign as Llanelli coach, the Scarlets reached two Heineken semi-finals, in addition to enjoying regular domestic league and cup success.

Other names in the Stradey Park coaching frame include former Llanelli, Wales and Lions number eight Scott Quinnell, together with former Samoa World Cup captain Pat Lam.

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