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The Scarlets have announced Wales scrum-half Gareth Davies has signed a new two-year contract and committed his future to the region until 2018.

Davies enjoyed a tremendous World Cup with five tries as he filled the void left by the injured Rhys Webb. This included the crucial try against England and another effort in the quarter-final defeat against South Africa.

The 25-year-old, who has won nine Wales caps, joins Scott Williams in committing his future with the region by signing a deal with the Scarlets rather than a national dual contract in conjunction with the Welsh Rugby Union.

Welsh centre Jonathan Davies will also return to Llanelli from Clermont Auvergne for next season on a dual contract, while Rhys Patchell will arrive from the Cardiff Blues.

Captain Ken Owens, Jake Ball, John Barclay, Aled Davies, James Davies, Rob Evans, Samson Lee, Aaron Shingler and Liam Williams have also committed their futures to the Scarlets.

Davies admitted he had received other offers but wanted to stay with his home region.

“I’m very pleased to have signed a new contract to stay at the Scarlets for another couple of seasons," said Davies.

"Interest from elsewhere has been flattering but I always wanted to remain here and continue my development at the region I’ve been supporting since I was a child.

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

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“There’s great competition for places here in the squad at the moment and both Aled Davies and Rhodri Williams have been playing some good rugby.

"Since coming back from the World Cup I’ve had to challenge them both. It’s good to have strength in depth in the position, it keeps us all on our toes.

“I’m looking forward to the next couple of years here in West Wales as we continue to build and we’re all looking forward to the big derbies over Christmas.”

Davies, from Newcastle Emlyn, was out of contract at the end of the season but has tied up his long-term future.

He joined the Scarlets Academy in 2006 and has gone on to make 120 appearances for the region since making his debut as a replacement against Newport Gwent Dragons in March 2009.

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His new regional contract comes as a welcome boost for supporters ahead of the biggest game of the season against Ospreys at Parc y Scarlets on Boxing Day and sees him remain at the region until at least the end of the 2017-18 season.



A string of solid performances in 2013-14 saw Davies pick up WRPA Young Players of the Season, Scarlets Players' Players of the Season and Worthington's Supporters Player of the Season earning him a call up to the Wales Trial Possibles squad and went on to win his first international cap against South Africa on the 2014 summer tour.

(Image: Huw Evans Agency)

Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac added: "We're pleased to confirm that Gareth has committed his future to the Scarlets.

"Coming off the back of recent news that Aled Davies has also extended his contract it gives us that strength in depth at scrum half position as we continue to build for the future.



"Gareth had a very successful World Cup campaign with Wales scoring some good tries but coming back to the region and having to compete for the number nine shirt with Aled and Rhodri keeps the players sharp and ensures that they're always developing and improving."