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There’s a real buzz about the Scarlets back-line for next season, with Jonathan Davies returning from Clermont Auvergne and Rhys Patchell switching from Cardiff Blues to wear the No 10 jersey.

And it looks as though there’s more quality on the way, with Crusaders winger Johnny McNicholl a strongly rumoured signing.

So let's take a closer look at the shape of things to come for the Scarlets...

Read more:The remarkable story of the unknown and unwanted Welshman who has become one of the stars of the French Top 14

15. Liam Williams

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Has been plagued by injuries over the last nine months amid two bouts of foot surgery and a hamstring problem that now sees him sidelined again.

As a result, he has made just the one appearance for the Scarlets all season. So having him back on board next term will be a major boost because we all know what an attacking threat “Sanjay” poses when he’s fit and firing.

In his absence this season, Welsh-qualified Kiwi Michael Collins has done a fine job at 15 and he would provide good back-up there if he extends his stay.

14. Johnny McNicholl

Nothing has been confirmed yet, but the strong rumour is that McNicholl will be arriving from the Crusaders and he would certainly be a quality addition to the side.

Seriously speedy and known for his right foot step and ability to break tackles, the 25-year-old from Christchurch first made his mark with Canterbury in the ITM Cup and has gone on to make close on 30 Super Rugby appearances for the Crusaders.

He can also cover full-back, as can the gifted Steff Evans, who has made big progress this season, figuring mainly on the wing.

13. Jonathan Davies

The Fox returns. After two seasons out in France with Clermont Auvergne, Davies will be heading back to the Scarlets this summer on a WRU dual contract.

It’s great news for Welsh rugby and a real coup for the Scarlets as the Lions centre is one of the best in the business.

He will bring huge experience and know-how in attack and defence, while the prospect of him being reunited in midfield with Scott Williams is a mouth-watering one.

It’s an area where the Scarlets will have real class in depth, with Kiwis Hadleigh Parkes and Regan King having gone so well this term.

12. Scott Williams

Found himself at the centre of a tug-of-war before Christmas with the Ospreys looking to lure him to the Liberty, while he was also linked with Wasps.

But, in the end, he opted to re-sign with the Scarlets setting up the reunion with Jon “Fox” Davies.

Williams hasn’t played for the region at all this season due to the serious knee ligament damage he sustained during the World Cup win over England, but the hope is he will be back later month.

Along with Parkes and King, there are further centre candidates in Steff Hughes and the versatile Gareth Owen.

11. DTH van der Merwe

The Canadian flyer arrived from Glasgow with a reputation as a predatory finisher, having touched down four times at the World Cup, and he has lived up to his billing, crossing for seven tries in 13 Guinness Pro12 outings this term, adding a further score in Europe.

Give him a sniff of the line and he is deadly. Other wing options are provided by Steff Evans, Harry Robinson and Michael Tagicakibau, while man of many parts Gareth Owen has also done a job out wide when required.

10. Rhys Patchell

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)

Cardiff Blues really wanted to hold on to the kid from the capital, but his desire to play at outside-half saw him go through with his move west.

The Blues were unable to guarantee him the No 10 jersey with Gareth Anscombe also on the books, whereas he will get first shot at the role with the Scarlets.

It will be intriguing to see how he develops under the coaching of former Wales fly-half Stephen Jones and there’s no doubting the lad has a lot going for him.

With Steve Shingler moving in the opposite direction to Patchell, Wales U20s Grand Slam star Dan Jones will get the chance to continue his development.

9. Gareth Davies

At times this season, Aled Davies has got the nod at scrum-half and he’s a real talent, with a quick service, pace off the mark and excellent fitness.

But Gareth Davies is such a force of nature and a player able to make the kind of searing breaks that few in European rugby can, let alone Wales.

He brings physicality and knows his way to the whitewash as he has repeatedly proved for club and country. With Rhodri Williams leaving for Bristol, former Dragon Jonathan Evans is joining from Bath to offer decent depth.

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1. Rob Evans

What a season Evans has had and there’s every reason to believe he will go from strength to strength, given he’s still only 23.

There were a few eyebrows raised when he was preferred to Gethin Jenkins and Paul James on the loosehead for Wales at the start of the Six Nations, but he more than vindicated that selection, emerging as the find of the campaign.

He’s always been a strong carrier, but he’s really worked on his scrummaging over the last year and is reaping the rewards. Ageless stalwart Phil John will continue to provide vast experience in support of Evans.

Related:Bradley Davies and the Ospreys XV that could line up next season

2. Ken Owens

Has to be one of the unluckiest men in Welsh rugby. Despite putting in a series of impressive cameos off the bench, he has had to settle for the role of reserve to Scott Baldwin in the national team.

But he will keep on piling on the pressure now that he is fully over the neck disc trouble that kept him out for much of last season and his leadership and ball-carrying will be crucial for the Scarlets moving forwards.

Emyr Phillips will provide solid hooking back-up having just signed a new two-year contract, while Kirby Myhill is off to the Blues.

Related: The remarkable story of the unknown and unwanted Welshman who has become one of the stars of the French Top 14

3. Samson Lee

It’s been great to see Lee back to his best of late. It was always going to take him a fair while to recover from a ruptured Achilles which is such a serious injury for a prop and, if truth be told, the World Cup came too soon for him.

But he’s now got his body back in A1 condition and he’s restored to full fitness - and we are seeing the results of that out on the field.

There’s quality also in the shape of former Springboks tight-head Werner Kruger, who has been signed as a replacement for the Ospreys-bound Rhodri Jones, while Pete “The Meat” Edwards provides an old school presence.

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4. Jake Ball

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Having arrived from Australia unheralded four years ago, Ball has become a fundamental figure for the Scarlets, with his powerful ball-carrying, his work in the tight and the all-round abrasive edge he brings to the side.

Still only 24, he will be a pivotal presence for the region for years to come. A brief unshaven spell is now behind him and that’s good to see, because he just doesn’t look the same without that ginger beard!

Further second row permutations are provided by Lewis Rawlins, Tom Price and Maselino Paulino, with Rynier Bernardo being linked with a move from the Ospreys.

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5. David Bulbring

The South African caused a few waves in February when he declared he wanted to play for Wales after being in the country for less than three weeks.

In fairness to him, as a time-server brought over with a view to becoming qualified under the three-year residency rule, he has to have that public ambition.

And from what we have seen so far, he is a decent addition to the Welsh game. Whether it will be just at regional level or something more remains to be seen, but he is good lineout technician who has fitted in well.

Related: The thrilling Wales under-20s Grand Slam star who will link up with Cardiff Blues next season

6. Aaron Shingler

Converted cricketer Shingler hasn’t quite been able to establish himself with Wales, for whom his eight caps have come intermittently.

But at regional level, he’s a real asset with his athleticism, both around the park and at the lineout.

The versatile John Barclay played at six for Scotland during the Six Nations, so isn’t too shabby an option there, while one looks forward to seeing young Tom Phillips get his chance on the blindside.

He led Wales U20s to their Grand Slam in fine style and has a maturity beyond his tender years, as well as a destructive edge both as a tackler and a carrier.

7. James Davies

The loss of “Cubby Boi” in mid-season was a big blow for the Scarlets and you are seeing his value again now that he is back from his foot injury.

He positively zips across the ground with ball in hand and is so effective at the breakdown, being perfectly built for the role, while the support he provides in wide channels is so important to the off-loading game the Scarlets are looking to promote.

Now he will be relishing the prospect of playing alongside his elder brother Jonathan.

8. John Barclay

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)

Has to be one of the best regional signings from outside Wales in recent years.

The Hong Kong-born Barclay never seems to let his standards slip, whether he’s at 6, 7 or 8, and that consistent excellence has seen him deservedly recalled by Scotland this season.

He has to be one of the first names on the Scarlets’ team-sheet, the only question is which number he wears on his back.

If Barclay is on the flank, then Morgan Allen is more than capable of stepping up to the plate at No 8 and providing a bull-dozing alternative.