Scarlets raid Prem club RGC for new scrumhalf

The Scarlets have raided the Welsh Indigo Premiership club RGC for a new signing at scrumhalf, with Efan Jones agreeing to join the URC side for the upcoming 2023-24 season.

The 25-year-old, known for his impressive performances with RGC, has been training with the team at Parc y Scarlets.

He joins a talented group of scrum-halves including Wales internationals Gareth Davies and Kieran Hardy, along with Archie Hughes, who is currently part of the Wales U20s squad preparing for the World Championships. Jones had an exceptional season with RGC, scoring 11 tries and receiving both the coaches' and supporters' player-of-the-season awards.

He previously represented Wales at the U18 level and trained with the senior squad at Parc y Scarlets. Notably, he scored a hat-trick of tries for Scarlets A in a Celtic Cup match against Ulster four years ago.

“Efan is an exciting player who is coming off a superb season with RGC in the Premiership and deserves his opportunity at this level," said Scarlets Head Coach Dwayne Peel said. "He will add to a talented pool of nines that we have at the club.”

Speaking during his first week of pre-season, Efan Jones said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me at the Scarlets and the welcome I have had from players, coaches and staff this week has been brilliant.

“Playing professional rugby has always been my ambition and the chance to develop my game, learning from a Wales and Lions scrum-half in Dwayne, as well as the other coaches here, is huge for me.

“Playing at Parc y Scarlets for RGC was always a highlight. For me, it’s about working hard in pre-season and pushing for a chance to play in front of the fans in a Scarlets jersey. I’d also like to thank the coaches, players and supporters of RGC and wish them well for the new season.”

Jones becomes the latest new signing for the 2023-24 season, following Ioan Lloyd, Tomi Lewis, Alex Craig, Teddy Leatherbarrow and Charlie Titcombe.