So many of the Scarlets players who have graduated into the Wales and British & Irish Lions ranks first cut their teeth in the senior game playing in the Premiership for the original ‘Scarlets’.
Striking the balance between pushing for club honours and developing players for a higher grade of rugby isn’t an easy one and two seasons ago Fisher found himself battling against relegation to the WRU National Championship in a game against unbeaten Pontypool.
“There were a few sleepless nights before that game and the reality is that had we lost the whole existence of the club could have been thrown into jeopardy,” recalled Fisher.
“The good thing is that the players rose magnificently to the occasion and we were able to carry on in the top flight. The most important thing is we ensure the history, tradition and style of Llanelli RFC is maintained by our players.
“It has been a tough couple of years for us and when rugby was cut short last season we were two off the bottom of the table. The clash with the Celtic Cup didn’t help us on either of those occasions.”
With the Celtic Cup not taking place when rugby resumes Llanelli should have a better shot at moving up the table. It will also help their cause that they have been able to retain the bulk of last season’s squad.
On top of that they have added wing Harrison Button, who is coming back to from Cardiff Met, scrum half Tom Ham, who is joining from Swansea, and former Wales U20 back rower Ellis Thomas, who is rejoining from Cardiff University.
“We’ve retained most of last season’s players and added a few new ones. We’ve also spoken to the Scarlets about the quality of players we might be able to use from their squad,” added Fisher.
“There is a good system within the region for giving players from the Academy and beyond the chance of play in the Premiership with Llanelli, Carmarthen Quins and Llandovery. Given there is no Celtic Cup competition next season there are likely to be more players looking for game time.
“I’ve been involved in the Premiership for 15 years as a coach and it is a great place for young players to learn their trade and get their first taste of the senior game.
“In the early years when I was involved with Llanelli I saw players like Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, Liam Williams, Rob McCusker, Gareth Davies and Rhys Priestland take their first steps on the road to regional and international rugby.
“Too often the value of the Premiership is either underestimated or undervalued. It has been a huge development tool for the Scarlets.”
