Easterby backs young Welsh coaches

The regions have struggled in the Heineken and Amlin Challenge Cups this season. They boast only one win from their eight combined European matches - the Ospreys round one Heineken Cup victory over Benetton Treviso.

But the former Ireland British & Irish Lions flanker reckons the experiences gained will pay off in the long term and is adamant a Welsh region can conquer Europe.

"The Ospreys and the Scarlets have shown faith in some young coaching groups and hopefully that will pay off in the future," Easterby told BBC Wales.

"I'm not saying it's going to happen overnight and were going to win European Cups for next three or four years. But I think Steve showed it last year. He took over from Scott Johnson and he made his mark by winning the Pro12.

"That was great statement and a great positive for young coaching. There's always going to be question marks over our experience, myself and Steve in particular as head coaches.

"But unless we get this opportunity we can't get that experience. You've just got balance that up."

The Scarlets face a daunting task in Pool Five of the Heineken Cup. Having lost their opening two matches at the hands of European giants Clermont Auvergne and Leinster they face a December double-header with Exeter Chiefs to keep their slim hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.

Cardiff Blues and Newport Gwent Dragons are in the same boat respectively in the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup.
The Ospreys have the best chance following their win over Treviso but they face daunting back-to-back clashes with Toulouse.