Scarlets trio agree new National Dual Contracts withWRU
GARETH Davies, Jonathan Davies and Jake Ball have committed their futures to Welsh rugby and the Scarlets after signing National Dual Contracts.
The centre and bearded lock are signing new deals, with the livewire scrum-half taking up a 60/40 contract with the Welsh Rugby Union and the region for the first time.
Keeping hold of 2017 British and Irish Lions man of the series Davies is a significant coup for Welsh rugby as the centre would have been free to chase a big payday in England or France without jeopardising his international career.
Davies has 65 caps for his country, meaning he would remain eligible for Wales even if he plied his trade outside Wales and his form over the last 12 months would have surely attracted the attention of big-spending Aviva Premiership and Top 14 clubs.
“My first season back with the Scarlets after a period in France was a hugely-enjoyable one and winning the PRO12 with a fantastic group of people was definitely a highlight,” said Davies.
“I’ve loved being back at my home region and, despite the disappointment of the injury, there’s a fantastic buzz around the place having reached our first quarter-final in over a decade.”
Scrum-half Davies has been staking his claim to the Wales No.9 jersey in recent months, looking to nail down a regular starting spot in Warren Gatland’s side.
Rhys Webb’s move to Toulon next season will end his international career as he falls foul of Wales’ selection policy that means only players with more than 60 caps for their country can represent Wales whilst playing their club rugby abroad.
It leaves the door open for the 27-year-old, who kicked off the Six Nations with an impressive performance against Scotland before being up against it at Twickenham last weekend.
“It’s fantastic to have signed a NDC and to be staying at the Scarlets,” said the No.9. “I have been at the region since 2009 and it is my home club and I’m really enjoying my rugby at the moment.
“Also, for me, signing an NDC allows me to work closely with the national squad management team which will be really beneficial for me going forward.”
Hard-hitting lock Ball come to the fore in the Scarlets’ 2016/17 title-winning season and carried that form onto the international scene.
The 26-year-old is currently sidelined after dislocating his shoulder during the defeat to New Zealand last autumn but is thrilled to have penned a new deal.
“I’m delighted to have extended my contract with the WRU and the Scarlets,” said Ball.
“It’s obviously been a frustrating time being out with the injury but it’s great to be still fighting on both fronts, in the PRO14 and Europe, and I’m very much looking forward to returning to full fitness.
“I’d like to thank the WRU and Scarlets for their continued support.”
WRU group chief executive Martyn Phillips added: “It is testament to the NDCs and the environment we are creating in partnership with the regions that Jake and Jonathan have both signed extensions to their NDCs.
“It is vital we retain our best talent for the future of our game on and off the field and Gareth signing an NDC for the first time is another important commitment.”