Scarlets Squad update!

The Scarlets have extended the contract of second row Richard Kelly for another two seasons and secured 22-year old Llanelli wing Kyle Evans on a three-year development contract.

Richard Kelly joined the Scarlets for the 2012-13 season. The 6ft 6in lock, regarded as an astute line-out forward, had played most of his rugby with Swansea in the Welsh Premiership before arriving at Parc y Scarlets. The popular lock has settled well since his move from the Ospreys and has appeared 18 times for his region. His previous rugby clubs include Mumbles and Dunvant.

Winger Kyle Evans joined Llanelli RFC for 2012-13 season and has scored 13 tries in 24 appearances for the Premiership side this season. Evans’ early rugby was played at Kenfig Hill before joining the Football Academy at Pencoed College, Bridgend and represented Wales Boys & Girls Football Under 18. Evans put in his first appearance for the Scarlets in the LV=Cup squad against Leicester this season.

Head Coach Simon Easterby said: “Richard Kelly has enjoyed his rugby with us this season and is a committed member of our squad now, working hard on his game and will be important to us throughout the season going forward. Kyle has equally focused hard on his game this season with Llanelli RFC and shown real commitment to training and in his performances. He’s scored some brilliant tries and he deserves an opportunity with the senior Scarlets squad in development.

“It’s important for Welsh rugby that talented players who come to rugby later outside academy structures, also get their opportunities to perform at a higher level. We have a responsibility to players that put in the graft and show true potential to support them in their ambitions and hand them chances which helps build depth and support development.”

The region has also confirmed players that will be leaving Parc y Scarlets at the end of this season for new challenges; Dale Ford (wing, 14 appearances); Dan Newton (fly-half, 54 appearances), Tavis Knoyle (scrum-half, 66 appearances); Rhys Jones (fly-half Wales 7’s contracted player, 4 appearances), Richie Pugh (back-row Wales 7’s contracted player, 49 appearances); Sione Timani (second row, 42 appearances), Peter Edwards (prop, 40 appearances) and Craig Hawkins (hooker, 16 appearances).

Scarlets Head Coach Simon Easterby said: “It’s never easy seeing players leave your squad regardless of the fact there will always be changes to the squad make-up at the end of every rugby season.

“We are very grateful to all of the players for the commitment they have given to the Scarlets in the past few seasons and we wish them the very best as they take up fresh challenges in their careers.

“We will be showing our appreciation of the players’ contribution to Scarlets rugby at our last game at home at Parc y Scarlets this coming Friday against Treviso (kick off 7.45pm) in our final league game before the final four play-off spots are decided.

“I am sure all our supporters will join us in showing their appreciation to these players on Friday and it promises to be an emotional, memorable and thrilling night of rugby at Parc y Scarlets.

“We will be continuing with our targeted recruitment policy to strengthen in some key positions within the squad and as we have said previously, it is important that any new players we bring into the Scarlets really add value and make a difference to our squad dynamic and ambitions for next season and beyond.”