New Wales cap Rhodri Williams, back three talent Jordan Williams, full back Gareth Owen, outside half Josh Lewis and scrum-half Aled Davies have all committed to new deals with the west Wales region.
Young Ammanford scrum half Rhodri Williams achieved his first international cap at just 20 in the autumn series against Tonga while namesake Jordan was called up to the national squad last month after showing his potential this season with two stunning tries at senior level. Both impressed for Wales Under 20 in last summer’s Junior World Championship.
The Scarlets have also retained the experience of former Ospreys full back Owen along with Carmarthen scrum half talent Davies, another successful product of the Scarlets development pathway. Outside half Lewis, who has flourished in the Premiership with Llanelli this season before stepping up to the Scarlets jersey, earns a well-deserved contract extension with the region.
Scarlets Head Coach Simon Easterby said: “It’s important we continue to invest in our young players to ensure we build depth in our squad for the future and it has been exciting to see how these players have responded to the faith placed in them.
“As a region we have been consistent in our commitment to give opportunities to young Welsh players, to back them and support them through their senior development and there is no better way to do that than putting yourself out there as a young player against the very best opposition.
“Rhys Priestland, Jonathan Davies and George North all made their names in the 2011 Rugby World Cup as young Scarlets and we’d expect to see young faces like Jordan Williams, Rhodri Williams, Rhodri Jones, Samson Lee and Rob Evans making an impact come 2015.
“It shows the Scarlets has one of the best development pathway’s in European rugby and that’s down to many people who work within the regional and community club structures that put in a lot of hard work, effort and commitment and who have a genuine passion to see Welsh rugby succeed and prosper from the grassroots up.
“We are delighted these five players have extended their contracts with us next season as we look to build continuity in our squad and set strong foundations for the future of Scarlets Rugby that blends young ambition with senior international experience and quality.”
