Rhys Priestland signs new Scarlets deal

Wales fly-half Rhys Priestland has signed a new contract with the Scarlets, meaning he will continue to play his rugby in Wales next season amid suggestions he was set to become the latest Wales international to leave the country.

Priestland was also one of six senior Wales internationals offered Welsh Rugby Union central contracts as part of a shake-up in the regional game, but the 26-year-old has decided to commit his future to the West Wales regions instead.

Priestland said: "I'm really pleased to secured my contract with the Scarlets going forward and continue my commitment to rugby in Wales.

"As Scarlets, we want to push on next season. We have some exciting players to make that happen and drive us forward and I want to be part of a team that takes that ambition and helps makes it become a reality for our region.

"The Scarlets is where I've developed as a rugby player and have been supported since I first started playing, with some good coaches and experienced senior players helping me in my career.

"It's important to me to continue my commitment to a great rugby community, environment and team that I am proud to be a part of.

"We have a very strong team ethic at the Scarlets, we're a tight group. It's good to belong to an environment that means a lot to me as an individual and has a real heritage and tradition as well.

"I'm pleased to have this all decided now, so I can focus on our Six Nations rugby campaign before returning back to the Scarlets for what should be an exciting finish to the league season."

Scarlets Head Coach Simon Easterby welcomed the decision amid the uncertainty currently surrounding the Welsh regional game.

"Rhys has become one of our most experienced players and has a lot to contribute to the region on and off the field," Easterby said.

"He's a key figure in our squad, an intelligent rugby player who thinks quickly, reads a game well.

"A lot has been said about how to retain our best players in Wales. While market forces can be difficult to battle at times, there is another dimension to this discussion and that's about creating a regional rugby environment and culture that engenders loyalty, motivation and drive in players with the support to succeed.

"It was really important to us all to keep Rhys and other players at Parc y Scarlets – our supporters will be delighted too as he is a popular local player.

"We are delighted that someone of his ability, experience and with genuine passion for our region, has committed to remain with us.”