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

19 Mar 2019

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.

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.

(Continue reading below…)

“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.

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.”

✍️ BREAKING NEWS: @JonFoxDavies signs new deal with Scarlets pic.twitter.com/VGF5NTCIhb
— Scarlets Rugby (@scarlets_rugby) March 19, 2019

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.”

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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Comments on RugbyPass

Cantab 8 days ago

Teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee reflects on dream Black Ferns debut

Although NZ won comfortably enough they weren’t always convincing and a better opposition may well have found them out. If our gun 7s players can translate their skills to the 15s game the team would have the ability to beat anyone. Need to be given the chance though.

4 Go to comments

James 8 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

And how do you see the Wallabies loosehead / Lion’s tighthead battle Nick?

37 Go to comments

dw 8 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Also interested in your thoughts on A Bell. Haven't noticed many scrum issues recently. He also seems to play 60 or so mins every game. A bit of a fan (even though he’s a tah..) but wondered if the Lions would target his scrummaging

37 Go to comments

dw 8 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

True. And you look at how the European coaches have got so much out of skelton and how much the local fans love him…and then some Oz fans will still say “he played poorly for the tahs I'm 2015!”

37 Go to comments

dw 8 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Thanks Nick but your headline has just jinxed us and reminded me of that night in 2013!

I love any analysis of the scrums such as the above. Cheers.

Allalatoa seems to be in good form and Nongorr appears to be able to hold his own? I think they will pick Tupou regardless of form. After Friday night I am concerned he could be sent off in the first five mins of the test though! He got too pumped up and hit a player high and was carded

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 8 days ago

'Most complacent selection decision you will ever see': Barrett benching slammed as Leinster knocked out

I watched the mainstream NZ pundits eg Mils Muliaina and they DID back NZ to win almost to a man.

Ireland will talk their team up as anyone would with the caveats we are playing the ABs and match was de facto 50:50, That is not the same as dismissing the opposition. EG After the quarter John Kirwan said he was sorry France didn’t win versus SA becuase a ‘France-NZ final would be perfect. (The semis had not even been played yet, England and Argentina completely dismissed! He didn’t even realize his own arrogance) NZ are not even aware of the arrogance they exude. Has no Kiwi politely asked the national team to take down the ‘Superstars and Humble Heroes’ boasting on the AB site? Its cringeworthy stuff. Do NZ really see themselves like this?

Note all this BS about Irish arrogance started just after NZs defeat in the 2022 series. Not a coincidence.

Also: this is Irish national TV. We will talk our team up as everyone does. We care too much about judgemental and thin skinned Kiwis getting offended.

91 Go to comments

JM 8 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Aussie rugby fans are obsessed with players they hate, for whatever reason.

Michael Hooper is another one, and the hatred only increased whenever he won John Eales medals or the two times he was nominated world player of the year.

I reckon it is because our forwards are technically and mentally weak they put it all on one player who they think should make way for the messiah.

Same for the general team performance and the hate put on players like White, Lolesio, and Foley who should be pulling rabbits out of the hat every play.

I reckon, if we had of had 5 players with Hooper’s desire and drive spread across the team (and especiallythe forwards), we wouldn’t have woken up in the bottom of the ditch.

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 8 days ago

'What he’s given to this club is nothing short of incredible'

He shouldn’t have been picked. Not physically able for the most intense matches notably in Twickenham last year. Giving him the captaincy was also a very short sighted decision then after RWC 2023. Ireland have a tendency to be a little too loyal, which can mean the team ages and the rebuild is bigger than should be.

Plenty of lads out there to fill that squad.

4 Go to comments

OJohn 8 days ago

Geoff Parling returns to Leicester as head coach

Hooray

0 Go to comments

Carlos 9 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

He was also a YC magnet.

37 Go to comments

Carlos 9 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Windsor-Faulkner-Price. 😊

37 Go to comments

Solenn Bonnet 9 days ago

Leinster cleanse palette with record URC scoreline against Zebre

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0 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 9 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Ah, the Pooler front row ! Most legendary in the history of the , I would think. Max Boyce helped…”Here we. here we, here we go, with the Pontypool front row.”

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 9 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Would not go as far as whole house in our family, but for me, yes, W1. Loved playing in the scrum, love watching now😀

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 9 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Yes, I see that article here on RP, Nick. That is good news that Schmidt is going to look at the o’seas players.

Yes, I would think you are right that LAR will qualify. On the same points as MP, but surely they are too good not to win this crunch game….could be tEnse for ROG in the stands though.

37 Go to comments

BC 9 days ago

Who would make it into a Women's British and Irish Lions starting XV?

I would pick Oifa Wafer at 6, put Aldcroft in the second row with Ward. I think Wafer is one of the few non-England players mentioned that would contend for a Red Rose shirt, the others being King and possibly Neve Jones. Conversely there are two English players mentioned, Sing and Venner, that probably won’t even make the Red Rose WC squad, let alone a Lions Tour. Still a lot can change in two years, watch out for Millie David.

1 Go to comments

Otagoman II 9 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Great article NB, thanks. I would like to know what is the reasoning why so many things are penalties in the scrum. Is it to do with safety or something else?

37 Go to comments

NB 9 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

👍