Owens: Priestland will be remembered as a true Scarlets legend

Career Scarlet Rhys Priestland received a standing ovation at the region’s End of Season Dinner at the weekend as teammates, colleagues, supporters and fans alike said thank you and farewell to the outside half.

With an impending move to Bath next season 28-year-old Priestland made his last appearance in a Scarlets jersey in the European Rugby Champions Cup qualification clash against Benetton Treviso on Saturday 16^th May, where he scored seven vital points in the 13-17 victory.

Priestland leaves the region as Scarlets’ record points holder having scored 1102 in 157 appearance over eight seasons.

Scarlets captain, teammate and friend Ken Owens said an emotional goodbye to Priestland as he was presented with a memento of his time at the region, the Carmarthen born hooker said; “I’ve known Rhys for a long time after first meeting on the rugby pitch on opposing teams. I was playing for Carmarthen Schoolboys U11s with Rhys representing Dinefwr.

“We were well and truly beaten on that day and Rhys came through as a star player. Thankfully he’s been my teammate since that disastrous day!

“What he has achieved in his career so far is no surprise to any of us here. It’s going to be really strange not seeing him in a Scarlets shirt. We all wish you him well at Bath and we have no doubt that you’ll be a massive success.

“You will be remembered as a true Scarlets legend.”

On receiving his memento from captain Owens Priestland said; “The Scarlets is all I’ve known my professional career having come into the Academy quite late. I remember when I started I was in awe of the players that I’d looked up to over the years. Everyone made me feel really welcome from day one.

“We’ve had some good times and bad. Over the years we’ve turned some of the powers of European rugby over.

“I will miss this place solely. I’ll be your number one supporter and I really do hope that the region will go from strength to strength.”