SCARLETS YOUNGSTERS MAKE THE GRADE

Scarlets Academy players Liam Davies (scrum half), Ian Jones (prop), Rob McCusker (blind side flanker) Rhys Priestland (outside half), Lou Reed (second row) and Lee Williams (scrum half), will join current development players Ceiron Thomas, Gavin Evans and Darren Daniel in the development squad.

“We’re hugely excited about today’s announcement which is a big statement about our commitment to the future,” said Scarlets Director of Rugby, Gareth Jenkins. “We’re committed to developing players within the region and believe that long term the Academy structure will provide the majority of our senior squad. However, it’s great to see the results this early on.

“Ceiron Thomas, Gavin Evans, Darren Daniel and Liam Davies have already played a part in the Regional game and we hope that our Scarlets environment will help bring the others through.

“Each of these players has great potential and a bright future within the Scarlets region and Welsh rugby. This is the next phase of their development and it will be a great experience for them. They’ll train and develop as members of the Scarlets squad as we manage their transition into the professional game.

“It’s very exciting to see the boys who have come through the Academy system receive recognition to hold positions in the senior squad. It is more than we envisaged this year, but the boys have performed well on the big stage and deserve their opportunity.”

“We also fielded nine members of the Wales U19 Six Nations squad to complete the Grand Slam at the weekend, which is further evidence that the Academy structure is growing from strength to strength with a number of others set to continue through the ranks,” added Scarlets Academy Manager, Kevin George.

WRU High Performance Manager, Mostyn Richards, added: “This news is a clear indication of the significant impact that the Objective One scheme has made to the WRU/Regional process. We are delighted that the Scarlets, along with the other regions, are already acknowledging the progress of elite young players within Wales.

“It has been a long term goal of the Welsh Rugby Union to produce a system whereby young talented players are recognised and rewarded at an early age within their region of origin.”