Josh Macleod retained as Scarlets captain

Josh Macleod will continue as Scarlets club captain for the 2026-27 campaign, extending his leadership role into a fourth season as the Welsh region prepares for a new chapter at Parc y Scarlets.

Josh Macleod continues as Scarlets captain

The 29-year-old back-rower has made 150 appearances for the Scarlets since making his senior debut 11 years ago at the age of 18.

A Pembrokeshire product who came through Crymych RFC and the Scarlets age-grade system, Macleod first assumed the captaincy during the 2022-23 campaign when Jonathan Davies was injured.

He subsequently helped guide the Scarlets to the EPCR Challenge Cup semi-finals and has established himself as an important leader within the squad.

Macleod has also earned five Test caps for Wales.

Scarlets enter new era under Nigel Davies

Director of Rugby Nigel Davies has retained Macleod as captain following a summer of significant changes to the Scarlets playing squad and rugby programme.

Davies said the captaincy was about selecting someone who consistently represents the standards and identity the club wants from its players.

“Choosing a club captain is an important decision. It’s about who clearly represents what you want the team to be every day, and Josh does that by instinct.

“Within the context of a new rugby programme and a lot of change this summer, we wanted to look at our leadership afresh.

“Watching how Josh trains, how he competes, how he carries himself around the environment and, importantly, how much playing for this club means to him, it is clear to us as coaches he is the stand-out natural leader in our squad."

Macleod excited by fresh Scarlets squad

Macleod described continuing as captain as a “huge privilege” and acknowledged the history of players who have previously led the Scarlets.

“It continues to be a huge privilege to lead this club. It’s humbling to be following in the footsteps of some of the greats of the game who have captained the Scarlets.

“This season does feel different. There’s been a lot of change, there are new players and coaches in the environment and there is a real challenge to us as a group about where we want to take this team.

“There are a lot of fresh faces who have come in and added real energy to the squad and a group of talented youngsters who have been putting their hands up throughout pre-season. That competition is exactly what we need".