The Scarlets have re-signed four of the region’s top-ranking players which will see the quartet stay at Parc y Scarlets until 2013.
British Lions and Wales hooker Matthew Rees, fellow hooker Ken Owens, full back Daniel Evans and prop Iestyn Thomas, have all signed on the dotted line to commit their future to the Scarlets.
The quadruple signing sees the Scarlets secure some key experience and emerging international talent in the squad as the region seeks to build and develop its team over the next two to three years.
Announcing the new signings today at Parc y Scarlets, Chief Executive Paul Sergeant said: “This is great news for our region as we secure four top players for the next two to three years. This group of signings exemplifies what the Scarlets are all about this season and going forward – a strong mix of emerging talent and experience.
“To retain the services, experience and strength of key senior players such as our British Lions hooker Matthew Rees and prop Iestyn Thomas is crucial in our bid to strengthen and develop our Scarlets squad going forward. With a big emphasis on bringing through talented Scarlets youth, it is important that our younger players have experienced senior players to learn from at crucial times.”
Scarlets Head Coach Nigel Davies added: “I am delighted to see these four important players continue their great service of this region as part of the squad that we are building up here over the next three years.
“All four of these players are true Scarlets in terms of their passion for the region and commitment to the shirt – and I am particularly pleased that we have young guys like Ken and Dan continuing their commitment to us as we bring through and support emerging talent from within our region to play at the top levels of Welsh rugby.
“Ken and Dan are shining examples of the success of our region’s academy and development system in identifying and bringing through talented young players onto the regional and international stage and we look forward to seeing their future careers with the Scarlets and we’d expect – the national squad, to continue pushing forward at a pace.”
