Former Pembrokeshire players Simon Gardiner and Rhys Fawcett are to leave the Scarlets.

The two are among eight members of the playing squad to depart along with head coach Brad Mooar, and forwards coach Ioan Cunningham.

Tight-head prop Simon Gardiner, 29, played 66 matches for the region during two spells at Parc y Scarlets.

Loose-head Fawcett, 23, has been at the Scarlets since 2015, playing 10 matches.

Both have also made big contributions to Llanelli RFC in the Principality Premiership and during this current season, have spent time at Ospreys when they needed front row cover.

In fact, they both featured as 'away' players at the Parc on Boxing Day when the two rivals met in their annual festive Pro-14 clash.

But yesterday Scarlets confirmed that when the rugby group does return following the Covid-19 lockdown it will be with the coaches and players for the 2020-21 season.

Scarlets confirmed in December that head coach Mooar will be linking up with Ian Foster’s All Blacks coaching team this summer, with replacement Glenn Delaney taking over.

Cunningham meanwhile, leaves after nine seasons in the Scarlets coaching system.

The other players to be leaving are Hadleigh Parkes, Kieron Fonotia, Corey Baldwin, Jonathan Evans, Morgan Williams, and Tom James, who is retiring from professional rugby.

Sports therapist Alice Rees will also be leaving after five years as a valued member of the medical team at Parc y Scarlets.

Scarlets general manager of rugby Jon Daniels said: “It is always difficult to say farewell to players and coaches, but far more so this season because of the current circumstances.

“To all the coaches, players, our sports therapist Alice, we are hugely grateful for what you have contributed to the Scarlets during your time here.

“We wish you well in the next chapter of your careers and there will always be a warm welcome for you at Parc y Scarlets — once a Scarlet, always a Scarlet.”

On behalf of the Scarlets board, Nigel Short said: “Unfortunately, circumstances have dictated that we won’t be able to give the coaches, players and staff the send-off they deserve on the pitch in front of our supporters at Parc y Scarlets. We still hope, in accordance with government guidelines, to do something as a farewell and the sentiment remains the same.

“On behalf of the board, staff and the fans of this great club, we would like to thank everyone for their contribution to the Scarlets and wish them well for what comes next.”

Scarlets will confirm the make-up of their new coaching team in due course.