Scarlets bank talents of rising young Welsh stars

The home-grown players - a number emerging from within the Scarlets regional set-up - will remain at Parc y Scarlets up until 2012 to build on some eye-catching performances already delivered this season.

Contracts have been renewed with:
• Martin Roberts, scrum half (age 22, from Aberdare) - three year contract
• Dominic Day, lock (age 23, from Pembroke) - three year contract
• Jonathan Davies, centre (age 20 from Laugharne) - three year contract
• Lou Reed, lock (age 22, from Treorchy) - three year contract
• Johnathan Edwards, back row (age 25, from Pontypridd) - two year contract
• Phil John, prop (age 27 from Gorseinon) - two year contract

All six have seen regular first team action this season as an injury hit Scarlets team has placed some of the region's brightest young prospects firmly in the spotlight.

The renewed contracts complement a strong Scarlets squad which is cemented by experienced senior international players such as Stephen Jones, Simon Easterby, Mark Jones, Dafydd Jones, Regan King, David Lyons and Morgan Stoddart.

A positive message on the development of Welsh talent within the regional set-up and an indication of a changing dynamic in the long-term future direction of Scarlets rugby, the re-signings are something to be excited about, according to Head Coach Nigel Davies.

Nigel Davies said: "This is good news for the individual players, it shows our belief in them and is a positive move for the region as a whole.

"Each of these players has had significant game time with us in recent months and has grown in stature and influence. A number of them have had valuable experience as a result of our injury list and have responded positively to the high-pressure situations - showing great competitive spirit and ambition.

"We are keen to create a more sustainable look to our rugby operation and this is just the start. Developing young Welsh talent such as the likes of Jonathan Davies, Dominic Day, Lou Reed and others forms a fundamental part of the future success and sustainability of this region.

"The emergence of these players has been a real success story for us this season and we are pleased to be moving forward in this way by retaining and developing talented young players at key stages in their careers.

"This also has to be good news for Welsh rugby in the long-term as we see significant young Welsh talent staying here and advancing quickly from within the Scarlets region.

"Our move to Parc y Scarlets has allowed us to intensify our coaching sessions and to develop our squad in a faster-paced environment. They have all responded well and this is a very positive indicator for the future as we secure and develop the next line of top Scarlets performers."