The Scarlets have confirmed Wales centre Jonathan Davies has agreed a two-year deal - ending Northampton's hopes of signing him.
Northampton miss out on Wales centre
The Scarlets have confirmed Wales centre Jonathan Davies has agreed a new two-year deal - ending Northampton's hopes of signing him.
The Saints had had hoped to make the 23-year-old their marquee signing, particularly following the announcements that the likes of Chris Ashton, James Downey and Roger Wilson would all be leaving.
However Davies, who has made 83 appearances for the Scarlets since graduating from the academy set up, has bucked the trend of Wales internationals leaving the country and opted to remain at his home region.
The likes of Luke Charteris, Gethin Jenkins, T Rhys Thomas, Aled Brew and Huw Bennett are among those set to play in other countries next season.
However Davies admitted it would have been hard to leave the 'close-knit group' at the Scarlets.
Delighted
Davies told the club's official site: "I'm delighted to be staying at the Scarlets - the region has done a lot to support my rugby career to date and it's where I feel at home as a player and where I feel I am best placed to further my ambitions both at regional and international level.
"There's great team ethic, the Scarlets boys all work hard for each other and we're a close-knit group because so many of us have come through the ranks together from within the region. There's a strong and ambitious spirit in this team and we know what it means to wear the Scarlets shirt, given our great heritage.
"Our style and brand of rugby suits me as a player and I'm just looking forward to being part of an exciting set of Scarlets backs next season.
"We have a first-class rugby environment at Parc y Scarlets to train and play at and I'm just pleased to be staying and grateful to the coaches for the opportunities and support I have been given to date and look forward to an exciting 2012/13 season in the jersey."
