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Scarlets get Grand Slam bounce as three Wales stars commit futures to merger-free region

By Online Editors
Three of Wales' 2019 Grand Slam winners have signed new deals at Scarlets (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Grand Slam-winning trio Jonathan Davies, Ken Owens and Rob Evans have agreed new deals to extend their contracts at Scarlets, the Welsh region that just a fortnight ago was subject to a now called-off merger with nearby rivals Ospreys.

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The international trio came through the academy system at the club and were key members of the side that lifted the Guinness PRO12 trophy in 2017.

Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac said: “I am delighted that Rob, Ken and Jon have re-signed for the Scarlets. They have been a big part of our success in recent years and I know that our incoming coach Brad (Mooar) was very keen to secure their services moving forward. It’s great news for the Scarlets.”

Davies has played 154 matches for the Scarlets since making his debut in August 2006. He has gone on to become one of the leading centres in world rugby and was named the British and Irish Lions player of the series in 2017.

“I could not be happier to be staying with the Scarlets,” he said. “I am excited about the end of the season and having spoken to our new coach Brad, excited about what is to come. It is something I want to be part of.

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“You want to be playing in the big competitions and competing for trophies and we have been doing that at the Scarlets. I am delighted to have signed a new contract.”

Owens was a Lions Test player in 2017 and won his 64th Wales cap against Ireland last weekend. The talismanic hooker has made 238 appearances for the Scarlets since making his debut against Northampton Saints and has captained the Scarlets since 2014.

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He said: “I am delighted to have signed an extension to my contract. I’m looking forward to a big end of season and building on the success we have achieved in recent years.”

Evans is another who has been at the heart of the Scarlets’ success. The Pembrokshire product has made 118 appearances since making his debut in January 2013 and was named in the Guinness PRO14’s dream team last season.

“I love playing here, you are playing with your mates and there’s a great spirit in the squad,” said Evans. “I have been proud to be part of the success we have achieved over the last few years.

“I want to keep playing for Wales and there is no other side in Wales I would want to play for. This is an exciting time to be involved with the Scarlets. I am looking forward to pulling on a Scarlets jersey again and helping us get into the play-offs for another season.”

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Ken Owens, here scoring in January against Leicester, is one of three Scarlets players to commit their future to the club just days after Wales’ Grand Slam win (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Scarlets general manager of rugby Jon Daniels added:  “We are delighted to have key players like Jon, Ken and Rob sign new deals. All three are from west Wales, are proud of their roots and have played a huge part in our success in recent seasons.

“As Scarlets we are equally proud to see them achieve what they have on the international stage and for all three to sign new contracts is an indication of our ambition over the coming years.”

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Trevor 2 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 6 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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