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Williams is latest Scarlet to extend stay

Johnny Williams running in to score in Dublin last weekend

Johnny Williams is back in the Wales squad for this summer’s tour and the international centre has also signed a new deal at the Scarlets.

The 28-year-old midfielder, a try scorer in last weekend’s BKY United Rugby Championship quarter final defeat to Leinster in Dublin, has been in impressive form since his return from injury.

Williams, a former World Rugby U20 junior championship winner with England, arrived in West Wales in 2020 after signing from Newcastle Falcons. He quickly went on to earn his first senior Wales cap against Georgia in Llanelli.

“Johnny is a key member of the squad, someone who has become a leader for us on and off the field. That experience is going to be vital over the coming years as part of the young back division we are developing at the club,” said Scarlets’ head coach Dwayne Peel.

“It has been great to see Johnny’s form rewarded with a recall to the Wales squad and his re-signing is more positive news for the club as we continue to build and grow as a group.”

Williams has made 62 appearances for the Scarlets and won seven caps for his country. He is one of three international centres, along with Joe Roberts and Eddie James, at the club, with another, Joe Hawkins, due to arrive this summer.

“I’m really excited to have re-signed for another couple of years. I’ve been here five years now and I feel this team is really evolving,” said Williams.

“There is a lot of talent within the squad, especially with the young guys coming through – I am one of the oldest players in the squad now at 28. These are exciting times, and I am looking forward to seeing where this team can go.

“It’s also great to be back in the Wales set-up. I’ve been gutted to have missed a couple of squad selections, so I’m obviously delighted to be back in the mix.”

With fellow backs Macs Page, Tomi Lewis, Sam Costelow, Roberts and James having also agreed new deals, there is a lot of excitement building around the Scarlets back division for next season.

Taine Plumtree and Kemsley Mathias have also extended their stay ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, while Joe Hawkins, Jake Ball, Dane Blacker and England U20 full-back Ioan Jones have signed for the new season.

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