Scarlets can confirm five more players who will be part of the Senior Academy this season.
Tom Phillips, Yestyn Cook and Keanu Evans were members of the successful Scarlets U18s squad that won the Regional Age Grade Championship last season, Welsh-qualified tight-head Gabe Hawley has signed from Ealing Trailfinders, while Wales U18s second row Dylan Alford will be part of the Academy on a dual contract with RGC in North Wales.
Gabe Hawley
A powerful 130kg tight-head, Gabe has signed from Ealing Trailfinders Academy and Brunel University. Gabe is another product of the Welsh Exiles programme and has been training alongside the senior squad in the opening weeks of pre-season. Set for his Scarlets debut against the Quins on Saturday.
Tom Phillips
A converted back-rower, Tom starred at loose-head for the Scarlets U18s during the title-winning campaign with some destructive carrying, strong scrummaging and powerful defence. Played his junior rugby with Amman United and has studied at Hartpury College. Has already turned out for Llandovery in pre-season and is set to make his Scarlets senior debut in Carmarthen on Saturday.
Yestyn Cook
The 6ft 4in tight-head came through the Exiles programme having previously been at the Northampton Saints Academy. A cup winner with Llandovery College, Yestyn is currently recovering from a leg injury sustained at the Arms Park.
Keanu Evans
The powerful, abrasive back-rower was another integral member of the Scarlets side that won the regional age-grade title. A Wales U18s international, Keanu played his junior rugby with Burry Port and studied at Ysgol y Strade and Coleg Sir Gâr.
Dylan Alford
Dylan, who has been playing for Clwb Rygbi Bethesda and Coleg Llandrillo, is on a dual contract with North Wales side RGC while he is studying at Bangor University. The athletic 6ft 6in lock featured for Wales U18s at this summer’s U18 Six Nations Rugby Festival.