Wales centre Roberts signs new Scarlets deal

Joe Roberts has five Wales caps

Wales centre Joe Roberts has signed a new long-term deal to stay with Scarlets.

Roberts, 24, is a product of the region's academy and made his senior Scarlets debut in 2020-21 with three appearances in the Rainbow Cup.

He made his Wales bow in a World Cup warm-up game in 2023, with his most recent Test appearance coming on the wing in last weekend's heavy defeat by England.

He missed last year's summer tour with Wales and also the start of the current season with Scarlets as he struggled to overcome his latest serious knee injury.

"It wasn't a great start to the season being injured, but it's been good to get back playing for the Scarlets and then being part of the Wales set-up again, which was unexpected," said Roberts, who played for New Docks Stars and Burry Port before graduating to the Scarlets.

"It is my home-town club, I came through the age-grade teams and the Academy here, it is brilliant to be staying on," he said.

"You look at the signings we have made and the players we have retained, especially in the backline, it's hugely exciting."

Scarlets have also agreed new deals with fellow backs Tomi Lewis and Macs Page while Joe Hawkins will return to Wales from Exeter Chiefs to join the region in the summer.

"Joe [Roberts] is a big part of our plans over the coming seasons and if you look at the young talent we are putting together in that back division, it is exciting for everyone at the club," said head coach Dwayne Peel.

"Joe is a home-grown player, a Llanelli boy who has gone on to reach the top of the game and epitomises everything we want to achieve here at the club.

"He has had to overcome some serious injuries for a young man, but he has shown his determination and resilience to not only get back into the Scarlets side, but earn Wales recognition as well."