Scarlets star Jones ready to snub big-money move

Jan 25 2008 by Tim Lewis, Western Mail

WALES fly-half Stephen Jones last night admitted he had turned down “hugely tempting offers” to sign a new three-year deal at the Scarlets, writes Tim Lewis.

Biarritz and Leicester had been the front-runners to lure Jones away from Stradey Park, although other French clubs and English rivals had also courted the 30-year-old.

“The past few weeks have been interesting because there were some hugely tempting offers from other high-quality clubs,” Jones said last night.

“Now, however I’m happy to be settled and able to focus on winning silverware with the Scarlets this season and in the future.

“The Scarlets mean an incredible amount to me. This is where I’ve played most of my rugby, the supporters are the best in the world and region has a fabulous future.

“It’s been a privilege and a pleasure to play at Stradey Park and I’m desperately keen to help the region make the most of the new stadium and help the Scarlets develop further as the professional era evolves.”

Jones’ decision to stay at the Scarlets comes on the back of new contracts for skipper Simon Easterby, Wales wing Mark Jones and former All Black Regan King and softens the blow of the departure of scrum-half Dwayne Peel to Guinness Premiership outfit Sale Sharks.

Scarlets director of coaching Phil Davies said, “Stephen’s an iconic figure at the Scarlets and is a renowned talent. We didn’t want to lose him and worked very hard to ensure that his future was with us.”

Scarlets chief executive Stuart Gallacher added, “We’re delighted that Stephen will be staying. He’s enormously popular with fans and colleagues and I’m sure he’ll play a pivotal part in future successes.

“Players of Stephen’s calibre don’t come along to often so, as a region, we put a great deal of effort into retaining his services.

“I know that the fans will be with us all the way and I commend their patience during what has been a difficult times.”

Jones (below) previously left the Scarlets in 2004 to join French side Clermont Auvergne, where he won the accolade of fly-half of the season in his second campaign there.

He returned to a massive fans’ welcome in 2006 and helped the Scarlets to reach the semi-final of the 2007 Heineken Cup, where they lost to Leicester.

The outside-half’s decision to stay will please new Wales coach Warren Gatland and the WRU who have already spoken of their desire to keep as many of the Welsh squad playing domestic rugby as they can.

They have made it clear those who choose to play outside Wales – not including those players already playing in England or players who had signed agreements prior to Gatland’s arrival – are hindering their chances of playing for Wales in the future.