Neath scrum half Tavis Knoyle signs for Scarlets

The young scrum half who has had a sparkling season for Neath joins the Scarlets for pre-season training in just over a month. He has signed a two year contract with the region.
Born and bred in Pontneddfechan, Tavis Knoyle played his youth rugby with Glynneath RFC.

He played for the Ospreys at U16 level and has Wales' caps at U16, U18 and U20 level. He was the only non-regional academy player in the U20 Wales team for this season's internationals - and won two man of the match awards.

Scarlets Head Coach, Nigel Davies said: "Tavis Knoyle is a very bright young talent and we are pleased to have officially signed him for the Scarlets.
"Having worked with players like Dwayne Peel and Mike Philips as they came through the youth system, Tavis has excited me as much as those players when they were 18, and shows the signs of an exceptional ability.

"Bringing him into the Scarlets, shows our ongoing commitment to grow an exciting and talented group of young Welsh players who will not only be future Scarlets stars, but we hope will be great prospects for Wales at senior international level.

"The latter part of our performance this season showed where our future is heading with a very promising group of players under 25 - many of whom have really stepped up this season and shown what they are capable of. As we rebuild this squad, we will combine the development of this talent alongside the experienced senior playing squad, which we believe will strengthen Scarlets rugby in the long-term."

On joining the Scarlets, Knoyle said: "This is a great opportunity for me and I am really excited about joining such a passionate club, which has its heart in the right place, has a great rugby tradition, so much talent and a bright future.

"I have enjoyed my season with Neath and would like to thank the club and its supporters for all they have done for me as I move on.
"The Scarlets have already proved they have got a lot of time for youngsters, they want to develop them and I'm really looking forward to learning from the coaches and the players around me. The Scarlets have got a lot of very experienced top players and it will be good to be part of this squad.

"I am very excited about my future with the Scarlets. I grew up watching them and have seen what incredible teams and players they have produced over the years. And now I'm putting on the jersey, its brilliant and I can see myself being really happy at Parc y Scarlets. I have come here for the rugby and I know I will get the opportunity to play here."

On winning over the Scarlets' supporters Knoyle said: "They are such loyal supporters, they leave and breathe rugby and I will just always try my best - if you try hard people will respect you and that's what I am going to do. I just want to get started."
Knoyle has been released by Neath with one year to run on his contract.

Geraint Hawkes, Chairman of Neath RFC said: "The Scarlets went through all the appropriate channels with us and the WRU to sign Tavis and met with the player, his agent and his father to discuss and then secure a two-year playing contract.

"We have agreed his release from us as he had a year to run on his contract at Neath. Without doubt, he wanted to join the Scarlets and we are not in the business of holding any player back. Neath RFC continues to support the development of professional players in Wales for the benefit of the national game. Our record in producing top players is second to none.

"We wish him all the very best with the Scarlets, he is a talented young player and a very promising no 9 and we look forward to seeing him reach his full potential with the region in the future."