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Scarlets confirm 4 Wales internationals among 9 players departing
By Kim Ekin
Scarlets have confirmed the nine senior players who will be leaving the region at the end of the current season.
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The region had already confirmed that Liam Williams has signed for Cardiff; Angus O’Brien is rejoining the Dragons, and James Davies is retiring from the game due to concussion.
Scarlets have now also confirmed that Rob Evans, Steff Hughes, Tyler Morgan, Marc Jones, Tom Phillips and Tomi Lewis after Saturday’s final URC match of the season against DHL Stormers.
“I’d like to thank all these players for everything they have given to the Scarlets jersey,” Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said. ‘Boys like Rob, Steff, Cubby and Liam have played more than a century of games for the club and they will be fondly remembered by everyone here, staff, team-mates and supporters. They can be extremely proud of what they have achieved and I am sure they will have great memories of representing the Scarlets over the years.
“Every season players move on and we always respect the decisions that are made. With a reduced playing budget, we have had to cut our squad for next season and that has meant we have had some difficult decisions to make.
“The players have continued to give their full commitment, as they have always done, and I’m sure our supporters will give them the reception they all deserve at our final game against the Stormers on Saturday. I wish them all well for what comes next.”
Williams is easily the biggest name to leave, bringing to an end his second spell with the region. The 31-year-old Wales international full-back and British & Irish Lion has played 119 games for the club and has scored 34 tries, one of which set the Scarlets on their way to PRO12 glory in the final in 2017.
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Pembrokeshire loose-head Evans is also a significant exit. Evans came through the Scarlets Academy and after playing for Carmarthen Quins in the Welsh Premiership made his senior debut against Sale Sharks in January 2013. He made 156 Scarlets appearances and scored 13 tries. The frontrower was a member of the side that lifted the Guinness PRO12 title in 2017. He was capped 39 times for Wales.
Wales international centre Tyler Morgan has been at the Scarlets for two seasons, making his debut in the Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat in Toulon in 2020. The 26-year-old has made 22 appearances, scoring one try.
