Backline duo commit to Scarlets

Scarlets are pleased to confirm that backline duo Gareth Owen and Tom Williams have signed contract extensions keeping them at Parc y Scarlets.

Gareth Owen, 27, joined the Scarlets for the 2012-13 season from the Ospreys after missing the 2011-12 season through injury. The versatile backline player has represented Wales 7s and Wales U19s and U20s.

Owen has featured in 21 of Scarlets’ competitive games this season, named in the starting line up for 18 of those either at wing or centre.

Tom Williams, 25, joined the Scarlets ahead of the current season on loan from Cardiff Blues. He has made 10 competitive appearances for the Scarlets doing enough to earn himself a two-year deal with the West Wales region.

Scarlets General Manager of Rugby Jon Daniels said; “We’re pleased to announce that we have retained both Gareth and Tom for the next few seasons.

“Gareth has had an opportunity to stake a claim for a place in the starting line-up this season and has grasped the opportunity with both hands. Tom has been unlucky of late to miss out on game time through injury but he’s an exciting talent and we look forward to seeing him back in action soon.”

Commenting on the news Owen said: “I’m delighted to have extended my contract here at the Scarlets. I feel that I’ve had more of an opportunity to show what I can do this season, and have stayed relatively injury free, which has allowed me to put a decent run of games together.

“It’s great to be still in the mix for a top four place going into the last game of the regular season and we want to do everything within our power to secure that play-off place.”

Williams added; “I feel that I’ve really settled in here at Parc y Scarlets since arriving earlier this season. There’s a great bunch of boys here and I’m grateful to the coaches for giving me an opportunity. It’s has been a frustrating couple of months having to watch from the sidelines because of injury but I’m looking forward to the next couple of years with the Scarlets.”

Owen and Williams join a stellar group of Scarlets who have already committed their futures to the region including Saturday’s man of the match Scott Williams. John Barclay, Aled Davies, Gareth Davies, James Davies, Peter Edwards, Dylan Evans, Wyn Jones, Emyr Phillips and Aaron Shingler have all signed contract extensions with the Scarlets.

David Bulbring, who has made eight appearances since arriving in West Wales earlier this year, will be joined by tighthead prop Werner Kruger, scrum half Jonathan Evans, winger Johnny McNicholl, outside half Rhys Patchell as well as centre Jonathan Davies in 2016-17.