Get the latest Welsh rugby news sent straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The Scarlets have added a star of Australian sevens to their squad for the coming campaign.

The versatile Paul Asquith, who has played Super Rugby for Melbourne Rebels, is to link up with the Guinness PRO12 champions next week.

The 23-year-old centre, who can also operate at wing and full-back, has been captaining Western Sydney Rams in Australia’s National Rugby Championship, playing alongside former Scarlet Jack Payne.

He made three appearances for the Rebels last year and has won nine caps for Australia on the world series sevens circuit, scoring 76 points.

He was also a member of the Australia Under-20s squad for the Junior World Championships four years ago.

He arrives as a replacement for Gareth Owen, who has been released from his contract to join Aviva Premiership side Leicester Tigers.

Scarlets general manager of rugby Jon Daniels said: “We are pleased to confirm that Paul will be joining us ahead of the 2017-18 season and will add strength in depth in the backline.

“He is a versatile player who can play right across the backline as well as giving us another kicking option.

“Having experienced the Super Rugby and Australian sevens environments Paul is keen to challenge himself in the northern hemisphere and we feel his skill set is a great match for our style of play here at the Scarlets.

“He knows he’s going to have to work hard to earn his place in the matchday 23, but he is hugely excited by the prospect of working with our coaches and we are delighted to welcome him aboard.”

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Asquith said: “I’m really looking forward to linking up with the Scarlets in a few weeks time.

“I believe that their style of play will suit my game and it will be beneficial for me to be able to develop my game alongside experienced players like British and Irish Lion Jonathan Davies and Scott Williams.

“I’ve heard great things about the club, the environment and West Wales from former Scarlet Jack Payne at the Rams and I can’t wait to get started with pre-season training in the coming weeks.”

Asquith will join a pool of centres that includes Wales internationals Davies and Williams, Kiwi Hadleigh Parkes, Steffan Hughes and Wales Under-20s talent Ioan Nicholas.

Some members of the squad have already returned to training at Parc y Scarlets, among them new arrival Tom Pryde, Tom Grabham — who has signed from the Ospreys — and Rhys Jones, the son of ex-Dragons coach Kingsley Jones, who will be back for his second spell in Llanelli.