Experienced prop bolsters Scarlets front row

Scarlets can today confirm that experienced loosehead prop Phil John has signed an extension to his contract keeping him at the region for season 2015-16.

John is the latest Scarlet to put pen to paper, with new recruit Dylan Evans confirmed last week and Scarlets’ newest international Rob Evans signing a contract extension to remain with the Region, and is another boost for the Region ahead of the remaining two rounds in the Guinness PRO12.

Llanelli born and bred John is amongst a dying breed of one-club players having joined as an apprentice in 1999 and has since gone on to make over 300 appearance for the Region as well as dozens of appearance for feeder clubs Llanelli RFC and Llandovery RFC.

Commenting on the news Head Coach Wayne Pivac said: “We have a number of young local boys making a name for themselves and being able to call on a player of Phil’s experience is beneficial to us.”

The loosehead prop, who celebrated his 34^th birthday on Saturday with a victory over Dragons at the Millennium Stadium, said: “I’ve been with the club for 16 seasons and it’s very exciting to look forward to another season with a club that has such a strong heritage and tradition.”

John is the latest player to extend his contract with Scarlets’ ahead of season 2015-16 alongside Liam Williams, Ken Owens, Rob Evans, George Earle and Lewis Rawlins who have all penned new contracts with the region. Rhodri Jones, Samson Lee, Jake Ball and Scott Williams all also set for a bright future at the region on National Dual Contracts. Amongst the new names added to Scarlets’ squad are Glasgow and Canadian winger DTH van der Merwe, outside half Aled Thomas, tighthead prop Will Taylor from Wasps, lock Tom Price from Leicester Tigers and Welsh qualifies loosehead prop Dylan Evans.

Scarlets will be back in action at Parc y Scarlets on Sunday 10^th May, kick-off 4pm, when they take on Cardiff Blues in the last home game of the season.