Wales star staying in Scarlet

Scarlets and Wales centre Jonathan Davies has extended his contract to stay at Parc y Scarlets for the next two seasons as part of the region's ambition to retain core Welsh players within their squad.

Davies, who has appeared 83 times in a Scarlets shirt with an impressive 30 regional tries to his name has committed to another two years at the region and will remain a Scarlet as part of one of the most exciting and accomplished backs divisions in Europe.

The deceptively quick and strong centre from Laugharne played 15 of the 17 internationals Wales played in 2011 and was a part of Wales' World Cup squad and appeared for the 24th time for his country in Wales' big win over England at Twickenham last weekend.

Scarlets boss, Nigel Davies said:  "I think given the current climate, this says a lot about Jon's values as an individual and ambitions as a player and his belief and commitment to our Scarlets squad and rugby environment. It was important to Jon to stay in Wales and he wanted to further his career within our set-up as somewhere where he knows he will play a crucial role going forward.

"He's hitting some of the form of his career currently and as a player he'll push on now with more experience to gain. He's worked hard and he deserves credit what he's achieved already in terms of his commitment, talent and work ethic as a player. He is a great talent with plenty more to give – so it's exciting that he's staying in Wales for club and country."

Davies said the young centre talent was a key part of the jigsaw in the make-up of the Scarlets squad next season and beyond. 

On his extended contract Davies said: "I'm delighted to be staying at the Scarlets – the region has done a lot to support my rugby career to date and it's where I feel at home as a player and where I feel I am best placed to further my ambitions both at regional and international level.

"We have a first-class rugby environment at Parc y Scarlets to train and play at and I'm just pleased to be staying and grateful to the coaches for the opportunities and support I have been given to date and look forward to an exciting 2012/13 season in the jersey."