Scott Williams has signed a new deal that sees him extend his stay at the Scarlets until at least 2018.
Williams, 25, who has made a name for himself in recent years as a formidable force in Scarlets and Wales‘ backline, had been offered a national contract but the WRU pulled the offer out earlier this week.
Since making his debut in 2010, against the Ospreys, Williams has scored 16 tries in 93 appearances for the Scarlets.
A knee injury, suffered in Wales’ World Cup victory over England, means Williams has been forced to watch his side top the PRO12 table from the sidelines but his signature was a vital one for the region and fans will be exciting to see how he gets on with Jonathan Davies who returns from France next season.
He said: “I’m delighted to have signed a contract extension with the Scarlets. I have always been a big supporter of the club and it is exciting to know that I will be able to continue my development here at the region.
“There’s a great atmosphere at the Parc and there’s a real sense that there are exciting times on the horizon and I’m looking forward to being a part of that on the field once I return from injury.
“Continuing with my rugby development in Wales was vitally important to me to continue with my international aspirations. I’d like to thank the Scarlets board and backroom staff who have been supportive throughout the negotiations.”
Scarlets General Manager Jon Daniels commented: “We are delighted Scott has committed his future to the Scarlets. The interest shown by other clubs is testament to his standing within the European game at the moment.
“However, Scott has consistently stated the environment at Parc y Scarlets is where he wants to be to further his domestic, international and British & Irish Lions ambitions. During the negotiations and the associated media interest he has been a model of responsibility and humility which is further testament to him, his family and his local community.”
Head Coach Wayne Pivac added: “Scott is a fantastic guy and is a Scarlet through and through.
“It is disappointing that he’s currently out with an injury but securing Scott’s signature, and keeping him here at the Scarlets, was important for our continued development over the next few years.
“Having him and Jonathan Davies in the centre next season is going to be very exciting.”