Joe Hawkins ready to revive Test career after sealing Wales return

Exeter Chiefs centre Joe Hawkins has signed for the Scarlets ahead of next season, allowing him to revive his five-cap Wales career.

The 22-year-old joined the Chiefs in 2023 from the Ospreys, forcing him to put his Wales career on hold as he had already been capped but had fewer than the 25 caps required to play abroad. This prevented him from representing his country at the 2023 World Cup.

This deal is, therefore, not only a coup for Scarlets, but Wales too, who will have the versatile back at their disposal next season.

Hawkins has featured 33 times for the Chiefs since joining, including the recent Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final against Ealing Trailfinders. Sunday’s final remains the Welshman’s only chance of silverware at Sandy Park before leaving, with the Chiefs already eliminated from the Investec Champions Cup and languishing second-from-bottom in the Gallagher Premiership.

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“I’m really looking forward to being back home in Wales with the Scarlets and doing my best to add to an already exciting young squad,” Hawkins said after signing.

“Having watched the team and speaking with Dwayne, the attractive brand of rugby they play is something I want to be a part of and plays to my strengths. I’m excited to get started at Parc y Scarlets, play in front of the passionate supporters and push on in my career.”

Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel added: “Joe is a player of big potential and we are delighted to bring him home and to the Scarlets. I’m very much looking forward to welcoming him to Parc y Scarlets and seeing him flourish in the Scarlets shirt.

“He is a player who has the ability to play in a number of positions and is further proof that we are building a young, exciting team that wants to compete.

“From my numerous conversations with Joe it is clear that he is a dedicated individual with a winning mentality. Croeso Joe.”