Fenby heading to London Irish
Andy Fenby will leave the Scarlets at the end of this season after four years at the region to join English club London Irish to experience a new challenge in the Premiership.
With 75 appearances and 135 points for the Scarlets to date, Fenby joined the West Wales region in May 2009 from Newcastle Falcons after studying at Newcastle University.
Playing on the wing, with a few spells at fullback, Fenby has become a favourite with the Parc y Scarlets faithful for his energy, commitment and try-scoring record in a Scarlets shirt.
A qualified accountant from North Wales, Fenby (27) was born in Rhos-on-Sea, Conwy and attended Rydal Penrhos in Colwyn Bay. He began playing his rugby whilst in school and went on to join Llandudno RFC; he also reached the rank of Wales’ No.2 squash player at Under-19 level; in 2004, Fenby attended Newcastle University to study business, accounting and finance.
With a new generation of Scarlets backline talent rising through the ranks at Parc y Scarlets from the successful development pathways in the West Wales region, Fenby says he is looking forward to a fresh new challenge and opportunity to join a top-flight club in the Premiership.
Scarlets head coach Simon Easterby said the region was grateful for the contribution that Fenby had made to the Scarlets in his four seasons both on and off the field as one of the squad’s senior players.
Easterby said: “Andy has progressed quickly since joining us and has enjoyed the ability to realise his rugby ambitions from being part of the Scarlets set-up over the past four seasons. He has worked hard on his game to establish himself as a regular within our starting line-up more recently.
“He has achieved an impressive try count for us – particularly this season and we know that he will be energetic addition to the team at London Irish. He goes with our best wishes and thanks for all he has given to the Scarlets during his time with us.
“His contribution to our team dynamic on and off the field has been respected and appreciated and he’s set a good example to our young players coming through the system about the determination required to establish your rugby career at whatever age or which pathway you start from.
“We are looking at investing in and strengthening our back three positions for next season with some fresh additions and regretfully with Morgan Stoddart’s retirement from the game as well, we will now have the opportunity to add new energy and momentum to this area of our squad.”
Fenby said: “I am grateful to all the coaches I have worked with during my time at the Scarlets and it has been a great set-up to be involved with. I have thoroughly enjoyed all my rugby at Parc y Scarlets and have worked with some great rugby colleagues.
“My thanks to the Scarlets supporters as well and our growing rugby community in West Wales, we have some of the most passionate, loyal and committed rugby supporters in the game and that is something that we as players really appreciate. I have always been given a very warm reception from all the supporters I have met and I will miss being part of such a strong rugby community with a proud and meaningful heritage.
“It’s really important to me to continue to give all I can to our league campaign to the end of the season. We face a thrilling end to this season with everything to play for and the chance of a Pro12 semifinal still in our control. To play a part in helping our region achieve that during my last spell with the Scarlets would be the best way possible to bid goodbye and say thank you.
“It would be great to see us achieve a play-off place this season, the boys have worked really hard to keep us in the race and the spirit, pride and work ethic in our rugby group is something you’ll never forget from being involved with the Scarlets.”