The highly experienced Pugh takes over from Ian Jones, who led the Quins for five seasons, and will have a number of new recruits in his pack. Tight head prop Javan Sebastian makes a welcome return from Glasgow Warriors, while former Wales Under 20 and former Scarlets Academy hooker Torin Myhill have also joined the club.
Ex-Wales back row man Rob McCusker had signed for the new season, although he will start the campaign at the Ospreys after joining the region to provide back row cover. The Quins have agreed not to stand in his way.
“It’s not the policy of the club to stand in the way of players who have been offered professional contracts and it was always a possibility that a player of Rob’s calibre would attract interest from a regional franchise,” the Club explained on their website.
“It is understood that he has been offered a short term contract with a view to extending the arrangement. The Ospreys currently have several injury concerns in their back row (Underhill, Lydiate, Tipuric etc) and their interest naturally turned to Rob McCusker.
“The player leaves with the best wishes of Carmarthen Quins, assured that the door is open should he wish to return to the club in the future.”
Another new recruit for the Quins is outside half Steffan Marshall, who has joined from Llandovery.