Scarlets front row trio extend contracts

Scarlets have agreed new contract terms with front row trio Peter Edwards, Wyn Jones and Dylan Evans.

Tighthead prop Peter Edwards, 35, will mark the beginning of his sixth season with the region as we head into 2016-17 having made his regional debut against Italians Benetton Treviso in 2010.

Despite suffering an elbow injury in the European Champions Cup clash against Racing 92 in November last year Edwards has proved to be an important part of the region’s front row union making 17 appearances thus far this season.

One of Scarlets’ homegrown talents, Jones, 24, has made 88 appearances for his home club Llandovery scoring nine tries over six professional seasons with the Principality Premiership side.

Jones’ first regional appearance came off the bench against Gloucester Rugby in a 13-7 victory in 2013-14. He went on to make 13 appearances for the Scarlets in 2014-15 including taking on some of the world’s best in European Champions Cup clashes against Leicester Tigers and champions Toulon and will look to kick on in the infamous Scarlets jersey with a new two-year deal.

Australian born Evans, 27, joined the Scarlets ahead of 2015-16 season and has signed a new deal that will keep him at the region until at least June 2018.

He had previously represented Newcastle and NSW Country, and faced then Scarlets George North and Jonathan Davies as part of the Combined NSW-Queensland Country side who took on the British & Irish Lions in 2013. He has made 14 appearances for the Scarlets thus far making his first competitive start against Benetton Treviso in March.

Scarlets General Manager of Rugby, Jon Daniels, said; “We are delighted to be in a position to confirm that Peter, Wyn and Dylan have all extended their contracts and will remain with us here at Parc y Scarlets.

“Pete has been a stalwart in the last few seasons offering much needed experience and support to the emerging international talents of Samson and the likes. Retaining players of Pete’s experience is important as we look to continue the development of young props at the region. Both Wyn and Dylan have worked exceptionally hard and are looking to challenge for regular game time in the regional shirt.”

Commenting on the news Peter Edwards said; “Next season is promising to be an exciting one for the Scarlets and I’m pleased that I’ll be able to play a part in that. Having said that we’re also focused on the task at hand for the remainder of the season of reaching our pre-season aims and making the play-offs.”

Wyn Jones said; “I have supported the Scarlets from a young age having started playing rugby for Llandovery Under 7s. I am delighted to sign a contract extension with the Scarlets and I’m looking forward to build on the experience I’ve gained over the last three years here at Parc y Scarlets.”

Dylan Evans added; “I’m really happy to have extended my contract with the Scarlets. I’ve really settled in here, I’m loving life in Wales and with the Scarlets.”