Veteran scrum-half Gareth Davies is gearing up for yet another chapter in his storied career, having put pen to paper on a new one-year deal with the Scarlets. The 35-year-old, who first donned the Scarlets jersey back in 2009, is now set to embark on his 19th season with the Welsh region—a testament to his enduring class and commitment.
Over the course of his club career, Davies has been a try-scoring machine, crossing the whitewash 77 times in 281 appearances. While game time has been limited in the latter half of the current campaign, the experienced No. 9 will continue to battle it out with Archie Hughes and Dane Blacker for the starting scrum-half role.
"I still feel good physically, love playing for this club and feel I have a lot to offer," Davies said. "This place means a huge amount to me. I've spent my whole professional career here, shared some unbelievable memories with team-mates, staff and supporters and I'm excited to be in the heart of it for another season."
Davies, who will turn 36 in August, stepped away from the international scene in October 2024, bringing the curtain down on a glittering Wales career that featured 77 caps and 17 tries. He was a key figure in three Rugby World Cups, a Grand Slam triumph in 2019, and a Six Nations title two years later. His exploits also earned him call-ups to the British and Irish Lions tours in 2017 (Australia) and 2021 (South Africa).
On the domestic front, Davies stands tall as the top Welsh try-scorer in United Rugby Championship history with 58, placing him joint third overall behind only Irish duo Tommy Bowe (67) and Craig Gilroy (59).
Scarlets interim director of rugby Nigel Davies was full of praise for the veteran. "Gareth represents so much of what this Scarlets is about," he said. "I remember him coming into the environment as a 17-year-old kid with unbelievable pace, confidence and energy. Even then, there was something different about him. He had an instinct for the game you can't coach. To now see him going into a 19th season at his home club says everything about his character, professionalism and love for Scarlets."