Scarlets’ highly-rated Wales U20s second row Will Evans has signed his first senior contract with the club.
The 20-year-old Wales U20 international will move into the senior squad for the 2026-27 season, marking an important milestone in the development of one of the most exciting young forwards within the Scarlets pathway.
Evans was this week named as one of four Scarlets in Wales’ squad for this summer’s World U20s Championships in Georgia.
Standing at 6ft 6in and weighing 125kg, Evans possesses the size, physicality and athletic potential required to make a significant impact in the modern game. A powerful ball carrier with an aggressive mindset and impressive skillset for a player of his stature, he is regarded as a young forward with considerable potential.
A series of frustrating injuries during the 2025-26 season prevented him from making his URC debut for the Scarlets, but he is highly thought of at the club and has produced some standout displays for Llandovery RFC in Super Rygbi Cymru and Scarlets have remained firmly committed to his long-term development.
His physical presence, competitive nature and willingness to challenge established players brought a noticeable edge to the team environment this season on his return from injury and reinforced the excitement surrounding his future.
Interim Director of Rugby Nigel Davies believes Evans has all the attributes required to become an important player for the club.
“We are hugely excited about Will and what he can become.”
“Players with his physical profile don’t come along every day. He has genuine size, power and athleticism, but what I like most about him is his mentality. He enjoys the physical side of the game, he enjoys the confrontation and he wants to compete.
“Last season was frustrating for him because injury restricted his opportunities, but I have to credit both Will and our medical and performance departments for the work they have put in to get him back to a position where he is ready to move forward again.
“When he came back into training towards the end of the season you could immediately see the impact he had. He brought energy, physicality and a competitive edge that lifted the group around him.”
“He’s still a young player with plenty to learn, but we believe he has all the attributes required to become a very good professional rugby player and we’re delighted that he’ll continue that journey with us.”
Having played his junior rugby for Chobham RFC in Surrey, Evans progressed through the Welsh Exiles pathway before starring for Scarlets and Wales Under-18s while studying at Llandovery College.
His performances have continued to attract attention and he was recently selected in the Wales squad for the World Rugby Under-20 Championship.
Evans says he is determined to repay the faith shown in him by the club.
“It’s been a frustrating year at times because all you want to do as a player is get out on the field and play, but I’ve learned a lot through the process.
“The upcoming World Rugby Junior World Championship gives me an opportunity to finish the season strongly before focusing on next season.
“The support I’ve had from the coaches, medical staff and performance team has been brilliant and I’m grateful for the faith the club has shown in me.
“Signing my first senior contract is a proud moment, but I know it’s only the start. I’m looking forward to getting back into pre-season, competing hard and doing everything I can to earn opportunities in the senior squad.”
Evans becomes the latest young player to commit his future to the Scarlets as the club continues to build a squad capable of competing now while also developing the next generation of home-grown talent.
Evans’s re-signing is the latest piece in the jigsaw as the Scarlets continue to mould their squad for the 2026-27 campaign with more announcements to come. Fletcher Anderson, Josh Macleod, Gareth Davies, Jac Davies, Dan Davis, Sam Lousi and Harri O’Connor have signed new deals, while the club have recruited Corey Domachowski, Harvey Cuckson, John McKee, George Roberts, Isaac Murray-Macgregor and Alex Groves.
