The committed former Scarlets and Wales winger who has dedicated more than 17 years service to his club and Region as both player and coach will move on from his current role immediately ahead of the next round of Guinness PRO12 fixtures.
As a player Jones made 163 appearances for Llanelli RFC and Scarlets over 12 seasons, scoring 85 tries and achieved 47 caps for Wales including Rugby World Cups in 2003 and 2007 and the Grand Slam winning side of 2008. He played his last season in Scarlets colours in 2009/10 as Captain retiring through injury in August 2010.
He then made a seamless and successful transfer into coaching his Region with his ability and commitment to Welsh rugby rewarded with a call up into the Wales national set-up to assist Caretaker Coach Rob Howley during the Autumn Series, as well as the 2013 Six Nations, in which Wales retained their title.
Mark Jones said: “I’ve had many great years as a Scarlet, both as a player and then as Coach and I leave with fond memories and grateful for all the opportunities I have been given.
“All coaches have their own philosophies which makes the game exciting and diverse, and the strong set of values and standards I gained through experience as a Scarlets player over many years have continued to be the foundations of my coaching career.
“The Scarlets are developing a new direction and philosophy within the coaching and playing group which differs from my own and we all agree it makes sense that the coaching group are allowed to pursue this new direction without me.
“It is time to move on now, it’s the right decision for the Region and allows me to spend some quality time with my family and embark on the next chapter in my career. I wish the squad the very best for the rest of the season and especially with their quest to finish in the top six of the Guinness PRO12.
“The Scarlets has been the biggest part of my life but I feel that the time is right to further myself, both personally and professionally, and I’m excited by the future and looking forward to the new challenges ahead.”
