With so many Welsh internationals leaving their regions, such as Huw Bennett joining Lyon or Luke Charteris to Perpignan, we have gotten used to seeing our stays head abroad. But there is some good news, Jon Davies, the Wales and Scarlets flanker, has signed a new contract keeping him with the Llanelli based region for another 2 seasons.
He had been widely reported as being poised to sign for Northampton Saints – who were likely to be offering him more than the Scarlets could afford, but it seems he has had a change of heart and decided to stay put.
This is good news for the Scarlets, as whilst they have a new wave of youngsters coming into their backline, JD2 or Foxy (as he is affectionately known by some) represents the first of their real stars to have progressed through the academy set up. Whilst only 23 he is one of the more experienced of the Scarlets backline, with 24 caps to his name already.
Scarlets Outgoings
There is more concern in the pack, with Dominic Day confirming his move to Bath, and Lou Reed widely being reported as about to sign for the Cardiff Blues. On top of that the move of Ben Morgan to Gloucester is looking even more likely after they confirmed current captain and Number 8 Luke Narraway will be moving across the channel to France next season.
They have also lost Sean Lamont next season, the winger having agreed a move to Glasgow next season.
This makes keeping the established stars that they can all the more important.
Scarlets Quotes
Jon Davies:
“I’m delighted to be staying at the Scarlets,” said Davies.
“The region has done a lot to support my rugby career to date and it’s where I feel at home as a player and where I feel I am best placed to further my ambitions both at regional and international level.
“There’s great team ethic, the Scarlets boys all work hard for each other and we’re a close-knit group because so many of us have come through the ranks together from within the region.
“There’s a strong and ambitious spirit in this team and we know what it means to wear the Scarlets shirt, given our great heritage.
“Our style and brand of rugby suits me as a player and I’m just looking forward to being part of an exciting set of Scarlets backs next season.
“We have a first-class rugby environment at Parc y Scarlets to train and play at and I’m just pleased to be staying and grateful to the coaches for the opportunities and support I have been given to date and look forward to an exciting 2012/13 season in the jersey.”
The Scarlets Head of Rugby, Nigel Davies on the new contract for Jon
“I think given the current climate, this says a lot about Jon’s values as an individual and ambitions as a player and his belief and commitment to our Scarlets squad and rugby environment.
“It was important to Jon to stay in Wales and he wanted to further his career within our set-up as somewhere where he knows he will play a crucial role going forward.
“He’s hitting some of the form of his career currently and as a player he’ll push on now with more experience to gain.
“He’s worked hard and he deserves credit what he’s achieved already in terms of his commitment, talent and work ethic as a player.
“He is a great talent with plenty more to give – so it’s exciting that he’s staying in Wales for club and country.
“We’re obviously delighted that we signed a new deal with Jon, it’s been in our planning for sometime and is part of our ongoing rugby strategy to retain our Welsh talent and importantly maintain consistency and continuity, where possible, in our team.
“He has grown-up in Scarlets rugby and is a great example of our development pathway working coming from our Academy system and then to senior rugby at the Scarlets four years ago.
“Jon typifies the Scarlets way and our values and our philosophies in the way he approaches his trai
ning, his performances on the field and his character of the field. He’s very much core and a part of our rugby family and as a popular local boy, I’m sure our supporters will be equally pleased that he’s remaining with us.
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Talk about this contract, and all other news related to Scarlets, Wales, or any of the other regions/clubs on our Welsh Rugby Forum
