Evans made his full debut for Warren Gatland’s men in their 61-20 defeat of Italy in the Six Nations finale last weekend, and has earned a new contract in West Wales. 2014-15 has been of a breakthrough season for the Pembrokeshire product on the regional stage. He has made 19 appearances for the Scarlets this season, including a debut try against Leicester Tigers in the European Rugby Champions Cup.
He said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to continue my development with the Scarlets and I’m pleased to have signed a new deal to stay with the region.
“I’ve grown up supporting the Scarlets and am really enjoying my rugby with the region at the moment. I’m looking forward to finishing what has been a great season so far, for me personally, on a high helping the Scarlets secure our place in the top six and next season’s top flight of European rugby.”
Just a day later, Wayne Pivac confirmed they had tempted Welsh qualified tighthead Will Taylor across the Severn Bridge from Wasps. The promising prop, who stands at 6ft 2in and weighs in at 18st 8lbs, represented Wales at both Under 18s and Under 20s level and was a part of the Under 20s squad for the Junior World Cup in 2010 and 2011.
With Scarlets’ scrum cornerstone Samson Lee sidelined, due to a ruptured Achilles sustained in Wales’ victory over Ireland, Taylor will bring both youthful exuberance and Aviva Premiership experience to the front row.
He said: I’m delighted to be returning to Wales with the Scarlets. Playing at Wasps for the past 3 years has given me an invaluable insight into the demands of top flight professional rugby, I hope this insight and the experiences I have gained will benefit me and the Scarlets during next season and beyond. I have a strong ambition to represent my country at senior level but my short term goal is to establish myself in the Scarlets squad and help make us as competitive as possible in all competitions.”