The Welsh side forfeited their scheduled opening round clash with Bristol Bears because they only came out of hotel quarantine the day before following their return from South Africa.
As a result of their forfeit, Scarlets were handed an automatic 28-0 defeat for the Bristol game, but the chance for the squad’s players and staff to return to their families has been priceless.
Next up, it’s Bordeaux.
“Those of us with families were straight into normality when we got home with the kids,” Flanagan said.
“Just being back at Parc y Scarlets and around familiar surroundings has been great.
“There has been a buzz around the boys as well for the same reason. They love coming into work and as professional rugby players, you realise how lucky you are to do what you do.
“There is definitely a big energy around the place and everyone is excited to be back.
“Everyone is training and everyone is selectable. Everyone is looking well, and we want to give them the best chance to prepare physically after what we’ve been through.”
Flanagan revealed the Scarlets players and staff have come even closer together following their enforced isolation period. In that time, they received talks and motivational speeches.
That helped them get through the quarantine period.
“During isolation, we had some excellent speakers speak to us. They were guys who have been through a lot of tough times and also some real achievers,” Flanagan said.
“The biggest thing everyone pushed was that there is no excuse. Bordeaux won’t care that we have been in isolation, they are coming to play a game of rugby.
“It is important that it is not an excuse, it is an opportunity. We need to really nail our plan this week to make sure we are firing on Sunday.
“That’s a challenge, but everyone loves a challenge, especially in rugby. We have been connected all the way through. We have all been in the same place and meeting on Zoom.
“The challenge is making sure we are ready physically. Game plan-wise, we can’t overthink that. We have just got to play free and that excites players, especially in this part of the world.
“Bordeaux are a fantastic team with quality all over their side.
“They are on the back of a loss, they have to win to stay in the competition, potentially, so they will be coming here to prove a point, to prove the Leicester defeat was a blip.
“We are excited to match that.”
