Stephen Jones has pledged his future to the Scarlets even though the Welsh region aren't guaranteed Heineken Cup rugby next season.
The Scarlets, knocked-out of the Amlin Challenge Cup by Toulon at the quarter-final stage last weekend, face a do-or-die Magners League clash with Cardiff Blues at Par y Scarlets this weekend as they fight not to finish as the fourth Welsh team in the league.
But Scarlets coach Nigel Davies couldn't have asked for a bigger morale boost for his team that the announcement of the news today that British & Irish Lions outside half Jones has signed a two-year extension to his current deal with the club.
"I am delighted to have signed an extended contract. As I've said all along, I've always wanted to continue my regional career with the Scarlets," said Jones.
"This region has plenty to build on for the future. We have a great group of talented young players who are coming through very strongly and will only grow in experience from all the game time that they have had this season.
"The philosophy and determination the Scarlets have in developing Welsh talent from within the region is something I firmly believe in - it's good for the Scarlets and a positive move for Welsh rugby.
"It's important to me to see this team develop further and I hope I can lend my experience to the team and support the younger squad members going forward. This squad is strong - there is a great team spirit, work ethic and energy amongst the younger guys and it will be good to keep this team together and build into next season.
"It's definitely going in the right direction and while we may be facing some pressure at the moment, there is a lot to be positive about in the longer term. I'm just really looking forward to playing my part in helping accelerate the transition of this squad over the next two years."
Jones has scored more than 2,500 points for the old Llanelli club and Scarlets and also scored more than 500 points for ASM Clermont Auvergne during a two season sojourn in France. He reached three Heineken Cup semi-finals with the Scarlets, as well as last wekened's quarter-final in the Amlin Challelnge Cup.
