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The Scarlets have signed Wales international Gareth Anscombe, it has been announced.
Anscombe has agreed a one-year contract with the Welsh club and joined his new team-mates for training on Tuesday.
The Scarlets have outside-halves Sam Costelow and Wales U20s star Carwyn Leggatt-Jones on their books, while Jow Hawkins can also play outside-half.
Anscombe adds some real experience in the number 10 jersey to back up Costelow, while also mentoring Leggatt-Jones. He has, though, suffered with a number of injuries over the past few years which have limited his time on the field.
The 35-year-old joins from French club Bayonne, while he has also enjoyed a stint at Gloucester having previously represented the Ospreys and Cardiff along with the Waikato Chiefs.
Scarlets director of rugby Nigel Davies has made the pack his priority when it comes to recruitment this summer, but has also wanted to add experience at 10 with Jack Walsh and Dan Jones options at some point.
Anscombe said: “I’m genuinely excited to be joining the Scarlets at what I believe is an exciting time for the club. I have watched the recruitment and strengthening of the squad over recent months with interest and there’s a lot of ambition here at Parc y Scarlets and a great environment to work within.
“I still have a huge desire to compete and to contribute on the field and help the team win matches.
“Competition brings the best out of players and that’s exactly what I want. Sam is an outstanding player, Elis and Carwyn are both very bright young 10s for the Scarlets now and in the future and I’m looking forward to working alongside them. My goal is to help push standards, share some of my experience and continue challenging myself.
“From speaking with the Scarlets coaching group, I was really impressed by the energy and focus here and where this club wants to go. There is a clear vision, there’s an exciting group of players and I wanted to be part of that journey.”
Director of rugby Nigel Davies added: “Every recruitment decision starts with one simple question – does this make us better? And we believe Gareth unquestionably does.
“Occupying such an influential position on the field, his ability to control games, make good decisions under pressure and lead a team in the game is invaluable. Gareth has consistently demonstrated those qualities throughout his club and international career.
“He’s coming here hungry to compete. He’s joining Scarlets to challenge for the jersey and because he believes he can make a real contribution to this team – and that’s exactly the type of mentality we want within our environment.”
