Scarlets secure contract extensions with backline talents Williams & Fenby

The Scarlets have secured recently capped full-back Liam Williams and winger Andy Fenby on contract extensions at Parc y Scarlets into the new season 2012/13.

Viewed as two key attacking players within an increasingly strong and competitive backs division, Williams has signed a new three-year deal at Parc y Scarlets with Fenby extending his contract with the region for another year.

One of a number of Scarlets North Walians, with new captain Rob McCusker and George North also flying the flag for North Wales rugby talent, 26-year-old Andy Fenby joined the Scarlets in May 2009 following a spell with the Newcastle Falcons.

From Rhos-on-Sea in Conwy, the former Llandudno youth player, is also a qualified chartered accountant and hasn’t looked back since joining the Scarlets on a pro rugby contract and now goes into his fourth season with the West Wales region.

Fenby has made 50 appearances for the Scarlets with 55 points and had an impressive second half of the season at Parc y Scarlets with regular slots in the starting line-up on the wing as well as full-back.

New Wales sensation, Liam Williams (21) burst onto the regional rugby scene last season and his Scarlets success was quickly followed by time with the international set-up – winning his first Wales cap on June 2nd against the Barbarians at the Millennium Stadium.

The brave, energetic and ambitious Swansea-born player was picked up by the Scarlets in 2009 playing for Llanelli RFC initially in 2010/11 before being handed a development contract with the Scarlets senior squad last season. He has also achieved Wales U20 honours in his career.

Williams has appeared 26 times for the Scarlets with 40 points – scoring eight tries last season including a spectacular Heineken Cup try against Northampton Saints during the Scarlets memorable victory over the big hitting English club at Franklins Gardens last November.

The former steelworks scaffolder has made a big impression in West Wales and says he’s delighted to have extended his contract at heart and soul rugby country for another three years.

Liam Williams said: “It’s been an unbelievable 12 months for me and to get my Wales cap was a real highlight following a run of games at the Scarlets last season against some of the top sides in Europe.

“It’s been a quick learning curve but the support and development I’ve been given as one of the younger crop of players at the Scarlets has been excellent. They’ve given me some of the biggest opportunities you can get as regional player and I’ve just had the mindset to take every chance I get and put everything I have into each performance in a Scarlets shirt.

“I’m enjoying every minute of my time at the region – it’s a good group to be a part of, there’s real ambition and spirit in this side and I just want to push on next season at Parc y Scarlets and be part of this team which has got the potential to do really exciting things.”

Now one of the more experienced members of a young and exciting backs division at Parc y Scarlets, Andy Fenby said: “It’s great to be part of a squad that’s getting stronger and more competitive and with the talent we have in our ranks now, particularly in the backs, it’s an exciting place to be with a healthy level of competition and motivation for all the players to excel.

“At 26, I’m one of the older guys at the Scarlets now and I’m really enjoying my rugby and having a full pre-season this summer will be good for me. I was pleased with my form at the back end of last season – it was good to get game time and build my game after my injury and pull a string of decent performances together. I’m looking forward to next season, and pushing my game on further.”

Scarlets Head Coach Simon Easterby said: “It’s great to secure one of the Scarlets’ most talented young players on a long term contract – Liam has impressed everyone with his skills and commitment last year and we’re sure he’ll only get better.

“Andy and Liam are important players for us next season and it’s important to secure the talent and commitment of these guys within our Scarlets squad to keep continuity and push forward our performances next season.

“They both bring real energy to our group and are dynamic players to have on the field giving us options in attack. They’ve shown how loyal they are to Parc y Scarlets and want to be part of this squad going forward and exemplify the positive ambition, work ethic and mentality as individual players that we want throughout our Scarlets squad.”