Scarlets entice exciting young halfback from Bath

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Scarlets are delighted to announce that Welsh qualified scrum half Jonathan Evans will join the region ahead of the 2016-17 campaign on a two-year deal.

The former Newport Gwent Dragons and Wales Under 20s scrum half made the move across the Severn Bridge joining Bath Rugby for the 2015-16 and will be a welcome addition to the Scarlets ranks for the new season in both Guinness PRO12 and European campaign.

23-year-old Cardiff born Evans played his early rugby with Bargoed RFC before being drafted into the Dragons Academy. His senior regional debut came in a Welsh derby, against the Ospreys, in May 2010. Evans was the youngest player ever to represent the Dragons when he made his senior debut, aged 17.

Evans scored 11 tries for the Dragons in 81 appearances and helped the region achieve an impressive European double against French giants Stade Francais. The prodigious talent won 18 caps for Wales Under 20s in 2011-12 and represented Wales Under 18s.

Commenting on the news Jon Daniels, Scarlets General Manager of Rugby said: “We are pleased to be in a position to announce that Jonathan with be joining the Scarlets next season. He is a talented player who has had limited time with Bath and will bring a wealth of PRO12 experience with him.”

Scarlets Head Coach Wayne Pivac said: “Having been unsuccessful in retaining Rhodri’s services, and with Gareth and Aled’s inclusion in Welsh squad, we were keen to bring someone in with PRO12 level experience.

“We were particularly keen to sign a Welsh qualified player and we’re pleased to have secured the signature of Jonathan’s quality. With two halfbacks in the Welsh set-up it was important we have a third who has experience as we continue to develop the young halfbacks.”

Jonathan Evans added: “It’s an exciting time to be joining the Scarlets with the team that they are building and the way they have been playing this season. I’m looking forward to returning to play in Wales and playing in the PRO12.

“I feel that I have learnt a lot on and off the field playing in the Premiership with Bath but am excited by the opportunities and challenges ahead with the Scarlets.”


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