Scarlets sign former Aussie 7s playmaker Asquith

Australian back Paul Asquith will link up with Guinness PRO12 Champions Scarlets during the first week of July in preparation for the 2017-18 season.
 
Asquith, 23, joins the Scarlets from National Rugby Championship side Western Sydney Rams having previously played Super Rugby and 7s for Australia. As well as captaining the Rams in 2017 Asquith was leading point scorer during the 2016 regular season.
 
The centre, who’s also comfortable at wing and fullback, played Super Rugby for Melbourne Rebels in 2016 after spending four season playing for Southern Districts in Sydney’s Shute Shield. At the end of the 2016 season, Asquith returned home to Sydney to get more game-time in readiness for a move north.
 
2015 saw him collect a number of honours including best back at the Western Sydney Rams as well as selection in the Australian Barbarians squad.
 
Whilst contracted to Australian Rugby Sevens Asquith earned nine World Series caps, scoring 76 points, after making his debut in Tokyo in March 2013.
 
The Wollongong, NSW, born back was also named in Australia’s Under 20s squad for the Junior World Championship in 2013.
 
Commenting on the news Scarlets General Manager of Rugby Jon Daniels said; “We are pleased to confirm that Paul will be joining us ahead of the 2017-18 season and will add strength in depth in the backline. He is a versatile player who can play right across the backline as well as giving us another kicking option.
 
“Having experienced the Super Rugby and Australian 7s environments Paul is keen to challenge himself in the Northern Hemisphere and we feel his skill set is a great match for our style of play here at the Scarlets. He knows he’s going to have to work hard to earn his place in the matchday 23 but he is hugely excited by the prospect of working with our coaches and we are delighted to welcome him aboard.”
 
Asquith added; “I’m really looking forward to linking up with the Scarlets in a few weeks time. I believe that their style of play will suit my game and it will be beneficial for me to be able to develop my game alongside experienced players like British & Irish Lion Jonathan Davies and Scott Williams.
 
“I’ve heard great things about the club, the environment and West Wales from former Scarlet Jack (Payne) at the Rams and I can’t wait to get started with pre-season training in the coming weeks.”