Scarlets aiming to keep Halfpenny despite Williams signing

Scarlets have no plans to allow Leigh Halfpenny to leave despite capturing Wales international Liam Williams.

Williams will return to Scarlets at the end of the season after his contract with Premiership champions Saracens expires.

However, Pro14 side Scarlets – who thrashed Ospreys 44-0 on Boxing Day – do not plan for Williams to replace his Wales team-mate Halfpenny, who can play at either wing or full-back, and whose deal runs out next year.

“We have got Liam and our intention is to have Leigh as well,” said general manager of rugby Jon Daniels, in quotes reported by BBC Sport.

Once a Scarlet, always a Scarlet!
Liam Williams is heading home to rejoin the Scarlets.
Cefnwr Cymru a’r Llewod Liam Williams yn dychwelyd adref i ailymuno â’r Scarlets
Read more // Darllenwch mwy  https://t.co/kylrgs18f4 pic.twitter.com/m5tHNYfIOm

— Scarlets Rugby (@scarlets_rugby) December 26, 2019

“That has been the message in our discussions with the Welsh Rugby Union around this. There is plenty of top-quality rugby in a season for two international players in the same position.

“If you look at teams who have historically been successful on a number of fronts over a number of years they have that strength in depth.

“That is our aspiration and what we are building here.”

Scarlets will also be in need of a new head coach, with Brad Mooar returning to New Zealand at the end of the season to become part of Ian Foster’s coaching staff.

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