George Roberts agrees inter-regional switch in Wales

Dragons hooker George Roberts has agreed to join the Scarlets next season after a year at Rodney Parade.

The hooker briefly joined the Scarlets on a short-term deal in March following injuries to Ryan Elias and Marnus van der Merwe, but he will permanently call Parc y Scarlets his home from next season.

The 28-year-old had previously represented Doncaster Knights in England’s second tier before his move to Wales, racking up over 100 appearances.

He has become the Scarlets fourth signing ahead of next season, alongside Corey Domachowski, Harvey Cuckson and John McKee.

With Van der Merwe leaving the club to join Munster, Roberts has become the second hooker signing at the club, with McKee.

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“I’m hugely excited to join the Scarlets,” Roberts said. “I had a great welcome when I came into the environment earlier this year and I could feel straight away the ambition within the group and how much this club means to people. Growing up in North Wales, the Scarlets was always a club you looked at with huge respect.

“I’m someone who loves competing and challenging myself. I’m looking forward to getting stuck into training, working hard, showing what I can do and earning the respect of the players and supporters.

“There is strong competition within the squad already and that is exactly the type of environment you want to be in as a player. I can’t wait to get started.”

Scarlets interim director of rugby Nigel Davies added: “George is exactly the type of character and competitor we want within this environment.

“He is technically very good, aggressive around the contact area and brings a real edge in the way he competes. What also stood out to us was his attitude and professionalism.

“He came into the environment earlier this season and immediately fitted in because of the way he works and the standards he sets for himself.

“We have spoken a lot about increasing competition across the squad and building depth in key positions. George strengthens us in an important area and will add strongly to a hooking group that already includes Ryan Elias, John McKee, Harry Thomas and Isaac Young.

“What excites us is that he is still hungry to improve and still has a real point to prove. Those are the types of players that tend to drive environments forward.”