United Rugby Championship: Johnny McNicholl inks new Scarlets deal

David Skippers

Scarlets' Johnny McNicholl in action during the Heineken Champions Cup match at Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli. Picture date: Sunday April 4, 2021.

The Scarlets have announced that Wales international Johnny McNicholl has agreed a new deal to extend his stay in Llanelli.

McNicholl, who is comfortable at full-back or on the wing, has played in 99 matches for the Scarlets since joining them from Super Rugby outfit the Crusaders in 2016.

The 31-year-old is a genuine attacking threat with great offloading skills, who was part of the Scarlets squad that won the PRO12 title in 2017, and has scored 44 tries for the region, including seven scores in eight appearances during the current season.

He has represented Wales in seven Tests, since making his Test debut against Italy in 2020, and follows Sam Lousi, Rhys Patchell, Scott Williams and Ryan Conbeer in signing new contracts.

Keen to improve

“I’ve really enjoyed my rugby this season, results may not have been what we wanted, but we are looking to develop our game under a new coaching team and I feel there is a lot more to come from us,” said McNicholl.

“I have had some great moments in a Scarlets jersey since I arrived here from the Crusaders; the title win in Dublin, the European campaign the year after. Hopefully, with the fans back in the stadium and behind us, we can get back to those levels and be challenging again.”

Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel added: “Johnny has been outstanding for us this season, not only on the field, but as a leader off it. He is a key member of our group.

“He is a player who can produce something out of nothing and embodies the kind of attacking game we want to develop here. Johnny has been here a while now, he has a young family who are settled in Wales and he’s established himself as an international player. We are delighted he has signed a new contract with us.”

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