Scarlets veteran off to Wasps
Veteran Wales flyhalf Stephen Jones will leave the Scarlets at the end of the season after many years of loyal service, to take up a new challenge with London Wasps in the English Premiership.
The 34-year-old pivot has 313 Scarlets caps and is the region's highest ever point scorer with 2850 points to date. His rugby career spans some of the most notable triumphs for the Scarlets in recent decades and has seen the biggest changes in the regional game but he believes that the time is right for a new challenge.
He said: "I feel this is the right time to move on at this stage in my rugby career - the Scarlets are showing such promise and have plenty to build on for the future with a very talented group of emerging players who are only going to go from strength to strength now.
"I feel very privileged to have been part of this great club for so many years and particularly the new era - with a team that now has so many exciting new players coming through and achieving international honours. I hope I've been able to pass on some of my experience for the benefit of our future as a region and helped accelerate the transition of this squad in recent years.
"It's been a huge part of my life being a Scarlet - starting when I was 18 and now leaving when I'm 34 and apart from a couple of years in France its where I've grown up as a rugby player. I've been delighted to be part of Scarlets Rugby throughout and it has been an honour to pull on the shirt every single time," added Jones.
The experienced playmaker admitted that leaving Scarlets was a difficult decision to make, but said that he had always wanted to play rugby in England.
"It's going to be difficult to leave but I know this is the right time. It has been an ambition of mine to play in England at some point in my career and I look forward to a new and exciting challenge ahead by joining Wasps," he said.
Scarlets head Coach Nigel Davies said Jones has won huge respect, regard and admiration across the whole of the rugby community in West Wales as well as international plaudits.
Davies said: "We appreciate and support Stephen's reasons for moving at this time in his life and stage in his career and wish him all the very best with his move to Wasps.
"As one of the most experienced Scarlets of all time, he has given a lot both on and off the field and has been a big influence on this squad over the past three years.
"He has imparted key experience, knowledge and influence on this team and as one of our most senior players has set an example and helped nurture many of our most talented players today," added the Scarlets boss.