Tighthead Taylor to bolster Scarlets front row

Scarlets can today confirm that tighthead prop Will Taylor will join the region from Wasps ahead of the 2015-16 season.

Hot on the heels of yesterday’s news that loosehead prop Rob Evans has committed his future to the Scarlets we’re pleased to announce that Swansea born Taylor, 24, who has represented Dunvant, Swansea and Aberavon, will make a return to Wales after three seasons in exile with the now Coventry based Wasps.

The promising tighthead prop, who stands at 6ft 2in and weighs in at 18st 8lbs, represented Wales at both Under 18s and Under 20s level and was a part of the Under 20s squad for the Junior World Cup in 2010 and 2011.

With Scarlets’ scrum cornerstone Samson Lee sidelined, due to a ruptured Achilles sustained in Wales’ victory over Ireland, Taylor will bring both youthful exuberance and Aviva Premiership experience to the front row. Meanwhile, Lee’s fellow international tighthead prop Rhodri Jones is making good progress after a lengthy shoulder injury.

Taylor made 21 appearances for Wasps during the 2012/13 season and scored a well worked team try, his first for the Club against London Welsh. He was rewarded for his hard work with a contract extension at the beginning of the 2013/14 season.

Scarlets Head Coach Wayne Pivac said: “We are pleased to be adding strength in depth to our front row and welcoming Will to the Scarlets. He’s an exciting prospect and has experience playing in the Aviva Premiership with Wasps. With Samson Lee and Rhodri Jones committing their futures to Scarlets and Wales signing National Dual Contracts we’re looking forward to seeing the continued development of our front row.”

Commenting on the move back to Wales Taylor said: “I’m delighted to be returning to Wales with the Scarlets. Playing at Wasps for the past 3 years has given me an invaluable insight into the demands of top flight professional rugby, I hope this insight and the experiences I have gained will benefit me and the Scarlets during next season and beyond. I have a strong ambition to represent my country at senior level but my short term goal is to establish myself in the Scarlets squad and help make us as competitive as possible in all competitions.”

Taylor is the latest name to be added to Scarlets’ squad ahead of season 2015-16 alongside Glasgow and Canadian winger DTH van der Merwe and outside half Aled Thomas. Internationals Liam Williams, Ken Owens and Rob Evans have committed their futures to the Scarlets with Rhodri Jones, Samson Lee, Jake Ball and Scott Williams all also set for a bright future at the region on National Dual Contracts.