Scarlets confirm Academy squad for 2014-15 season

Three of the region's Academy graduates made their international debuts in 2013-14; Samson Lee and Rhodri Williams during the Autumn Internationals against Argentina and Tonga respectively with Gareth Davies earning his first Wales cap against South Africa on the recent Summer Tour.

Following in their footsteps, and hot on their heels, is another young crop of Scarlets talent looking to develop their skills and reach their potential along the age grade pathway.

Four members of the 2013-14 Scarlets Academy, centre and Wales Under 20s captain Steffan Hughes, scrum half Connor Lloyd, Wales Under 20s fullback Steffan Evans, promising outside half Daniel Jones continue their development moving into full time training with the senior squad in 2014-15.

Scarlets Academy Manager Kevin George today revealed the new look Academy for 2014-15 with three new members making the grade.

He said: "We are delighted to see Academy members move up into the senior environment and continue on their development pathway.

"Players like Steff Hughes, who has recently returned from captaining Wales Under 20s at the Junior World Championship in New Zealand, Steff Evans and Josh Adams who also represented Wales U20 will have gained invaluable experience from the tournament and will thrive on the opportunity of training on a full time basis with the senior squad.

"We are strong core group of individuals making their mark in the Academy at the moment including Wales Under 18s captain Tom Phillips.

"We welcome five new members into the group in outside half Ioan Nicholas, scrum half Declan Smith, winger Shaun Pearce, flanker Josh Middleton and scrum half Kieran Hardy and look forward to seeing their progression throughout the season."

Scarlets Academy members combine their regional training with full time education, either at school or college.

Scarlets Academy 2014-15:

Joshua Adams, Ryan Elias, Joshua Helps, Javan Sebastian, Torin Myhill, Josh Middleton, Kieron Hardy, Tom Phillips, Joshua Macloud, Billy McBryde, Matthew Pearce, Shaun Pearce, Harry Randell, Declan Smith, Ioan Nicholas