Scarlets announce new boys

THE Scarlets have confirmed two more newcomers are heading to the region, including an unknown from Australia and a former Dragons fly-half.

Fly-half Angus O’Brien joins from the Dragons, while loose forward Ed Kennedy will be heading to west Wales from Australian side Randwick.

O’Brien was part of the Dragons Under-18s set-up and was capped seven times for Wales Under-20s side.

He finished as the leading points scorer in the PRO12 for the 2016-17 season with the Dragons, racking up 131 points that season – a remarkable achievement considering he only started 14 PRO12 matches that season and made five more appearances off the bench.

The former Cross Keys player made his debut for the Dragons in September 2014, aged 19, and was also part of the Dragons 7s team that were crowned champions of the Premiership Sevens in 2015.

While O’Brien’s relocation will iinvolve a move down the M4, Kennedy is coming to Wales from Down Under.

Able to play on the blindside as well as at lock, loose forward Kennedy is Welsh-qualified and has been playing for Australian side Randwick – which competes in the Sydney premier grade rugby union competition.

Both aged 23, the players are being brought in as the region looks to strengthen its depth across the squad after player availability was affected when numerous Scarlets players were called up during the autumn internationals and Six Nations.

It comes after six newcomers have already been confirmed to be heading to the region: Uzair Casseim; Clayton Blommetjies; Kieron Fonotia; Blade Thomson; Kieran Hardy; Sam Hidalgo-Clyne.

Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac said: “As this season has showed it is vitally important to have strength in depth across the squad as international call-ups have an effect on player availability during autumn and Six Nations windows.

“Both Angus and Ed are two young guys looking to continue their development and make a mark on the professional stage.

“Having young players pushing the seniors and starting team is what drives the whole squad and helps us to be competitive.

“We look forward to welcoming both to the region and to see them continue to flourish over the coming months and years.”