By David Williams
Wales wing Tom Rogers has extended his stay at Parc y Scarlets by signing a new contract for his home region club.
Capped twice by Wayne Pivac in 2021, the 23-year-old back three star has become the latest player to put pen to paper on a new deal at the Scarlets ahead of the 2022-23 season.
The former Wales Sevens international has scored seven tries in 22 league outings for the Scarlets and joins Sam Lousi, Rhys Patchell, Scott Williams, Ryan Conbeer, Johnny McNicholl, Gareth Davies, Jonathan Davies, Sam Costelow, Steff Thomas and Tomas Lezana in pledging their future to the Scarlets.
“Tom is one of a number of young home-grown back-three players we are excited about at the club. He is a player who works hard on his game and is always looking to learn and get better,” said Dwayne Peel, Scarlets head coach.
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Rogers won his first Wales cap against Canada in a 68-12 win in the summer of 2021. He then started in the second Test against the Pumas two weeks later, when Wales were beaten 33-11.
“With the competition in the back three, we know we have to make the most of opportunities when they come and Dwayne has shown he will give the jersey to young players if they are playing and training well enough,” said Rogers.
“I’m looking forward to a big pre-season ahead and us building on the foundations we have put in place this year.”
Meanwhile, the Dragons have beefed up their front five options for next season already this summer with the addition of international props Rhodri Joes and Rob Evans and now they have extended the contract of Samoan prop Aki Seiuli.
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Seiuli joined the ‘Men of Gwent’ from Glasgow Warriors last year and made 21 appearances for the region in an impressive debut campaign.
The 29-year-old missed only one game during last season and will be vying with Jones and Evans for the No 1 jersey at Rodney Parade.
“Aki has been a consistent performer for us who showed his durability by featuring in all but one fixture last season. We’re pleased that he will now remain with us and ensure we have depth and real competition for places in our front row,” said Dragons director of rugby, Dean Ryan
Wales hooker Bradley Roberts is another of Ryan’s new recruits in the front row and he also has Leon Brown, Chris Coleman and Lloyd Fairbrother to compete for the tight head spot. Josh Reynolds is another academy graduate who plays in the front row.
“I’m really happy to be signing on and believe things will change next year, with the new signings building on the quality we already have,” said Seiuli.
Not winning a single home game all season is shameful and even the most optimistic Dragons fan can’t deny that. Bar is set low but the pressure will be on Dean Ryan next season given the recruitment. No grumblings or excuses. Just deliver better results for long-suffering fans.
— Jamie Phillips (@JNPhillips4) May 21, 2022
“I’ve made some good friends over here and enjoy living in Wales. I’m also looking forward to playing alongside one of my good mates in Sio Tomkinson next season. I’m already looking forward to a better season next year because I know we have got the squad to do that.
“We have a great bunch of lads and a good group here who are all ready to go and do some good things next year, and that’s what has influenced me to stay on.”
Former New Zealand U20 cap and Highlanders Super Rugby centre Tomkinson is one of nine new signings already announced ahead of the new season. One of four back line recruits he is joined by the returning Angus O’Brien, who has signed from the Scarlets, former Bath centre Max Clark and ex-Munster, Northampton Saints and Clermont Auvergne outside half JJ Hanrahan.
As well as front row signings Jones, Evans and Roberts, Ryan has also recruited Exeter Chiefs back five player Sean Lonsdale and former Sale Sharks and London Irish lock George Nott. Of his nine signings, only Tomkinson and Hanrahan aren’t Welsh qualified.
