Four young Scarlets re-sign

Scarlets have announced that new contracts have been given to impressive youngsters Josh Macleod, Tom Phillips, Tom Price and Steff Hughes.

All four have put pen to paper on new deals keeping them at Parc y Scarlets.

20-year-old Macleod has enjoyed a breakthrough season for the Scarlets, including a Champions Cup start against Saracens, and has won plaudits for his presence in the loose and physical ability over the ball.

Former Wales U20 captain Phillips, from Llanelli, led the young Wales side to an historic Grand Slam in 2016.

His professional debut came against Zebre in October 2015 and the blindside flanker has since gone on to make 14 appearances for the region, scoring a try against Bath in the Anglo-Welsh Cup.

24-year-old lock Price joined the Scarlets in the summer of 2015 from Leicester, making his competitive debut in the season opener against Glasgow in September of the same year.

Centre Hughes has made 17 appearances this season including Champions Cup action against Saracens as well as 12 PRO12 appearances.

Commenting on the news Jon Daniels, Scarlets General Manager of Rugby said; “As we look ahead to the Guinness PRO12 semi final this Friday we’re delighted to be in a position to confirm new contracts for four exciting young prospects in the squad.

“Josh, Tom [Phillips] and Steff are all products of our development pathway here at the Scarlets and our development is something we’ve always been proud of in West Wales and in the Scarlets region. Fifteen of the 23 players that took on the Ospreys at Parc y Scarlets last week came through, or took some part, in the development pathway within the Scarlets region. That’s a phenomenal ratio and something we should be very proud of.

“We’re fortunate to be in a position to not only be fielding a side week-in week-out filled with homegrown talent, but also to be competing in the final stages of the Guinness PRO12 with talented players who have developed within the region.

“A lot goes into that development process and I’d like to thank the committed staff, coaches and volunteers at all of our grassroots clubs for creating environments that allow our young talent to nurture and grow.

“These four players join an exciting group who have already committed their futures to the region, alongside Steff Evans, Will Boyde, Dan Jones and Hadleigh Parkes as well as internationals Rob Evans, Samson Lee and Ken Owens.”