Scarlets are delighted to announce that Wales international hooker Ryan Elias has signed a new contract.
The Carmarthen product came through the Scarlets Academy before making his debut in an Anglo-Welsh Cup tie against Saracens in 2013.
The 28-year-old has gone on to play 151 matches in Scarlets colours and was a member of the side that lifted the Guinness PRO12 trophy in Dublin in 2017.
First capped for Wales against Tonga that summer, Elias has made 33 Test appearances and was part of Warren Gatland’s squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
He has also captained the Scarlets and his re-signing as one of the squad’s senior internationals is a massive boost to the club for the coming seasons.
Elias said: “Being a Carmarthen boy this is a club I grew up watching so it’s very special to me and my family. I came through the academy and have been here a decade now as a player. I’m chuffed to have signed a new contract and am looking forward to continuing my journey.
“At the age of 28 I feel I am coming into my prime, so on a personal level I am excited about what the next couple of years holds for me.”
Currently recovering from an Achilles injury, Elias added: “It has been frustrating having to miss out on the second half of the season and, in particular, this run in the Challenge Cup, but it has been brilliant to see us take some big scalps and it shows the talent and potential we have in the squad.
“A lot of young players are at the start of their careers and are putting their hands up in big games which is great for the future of the club. It is an exciting time to be involved here.
“Hopefully, it won’t be long before I’m back getting my teeth into the rugby again ahead of the new season.”
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said: “Ryan has developed into one of our leaders and is a strong voice in the group; he is a player with a superb work ethic on and off the pitch
“He has been in the professional game for a decade now, but he is still only 28 and is a player who has a lot more to offer for the Scarlets and at international level.
“It’s fantastic he has signed a new contract with the club and I’d also like to thank him for the professionalism he has shown throughout this process.”
Ryan is sponsored by City and Trust Finance.