Eddie James signs new Scarlets contract

Wales international Eddie James, who came through the ranks of the Scarlets Academy, has joined the list of home-grown players to commit their future to the club.

The 22-year-old centre from Carmarthen has signed a new contract to become the latest piece in the Scarlets’ backline jigsaw for next season.

Scarlets have already announced that Macs Page, Tomi Lewis and Joe Roberts have agreed new deals, while Wales international Joe Hawkins is heading to Llanelli from Exeter Chiefs in the summer.

James played his junior rugby with Carmarthen Quins RFC and went on to star in the schools and colleges league for Coleg Sir Gâr before playing for the Scarlets’ age-grade teams and going on to be capped by Wales U18s and U20s.

The 6ft 3in powerhouse made his senior Scarlets debut at the start of the 2022-23 campaign and scored a try on his URC bow against Edinburgh at Parc y Scarlets.

A dynamic carrier with a sharp step and deft hands, James’s eye-catching displays in Scarlet saw him rewarded with a Wales Test debut against South Africa last summer. He made further appearances against Australia and the Boks in the autumn, with his latest cap coming against Italy during the 2025 Six Nations.

He has already played 37 matches for the Scarlets and is a key midfield cog in Dwayne Peel’s side.

Eddie said: “My dad used to bring me here to watch the Scarlets, so to come through the age grades with my mates, be part of the academy and now the senior squad has been amazing.

“We have such a young team, an exciting set of backs, the future looks bright.

“We are building as a squad. We have made good strides from last season and after starting this season well, hopefully we can finish it strongly.

“We have a massive game on Saturday against the Ospreys. There is going to be a big crowd, lots of tickets have been sold and it should be a fantastic atmosphere. All the boys are looking forward to it and hopefully we can deliver a big performance for the supporters who have been outstanding this season."

Dwayne Peel said: “It is easy to forget that Eddie is still only 22. He is a player of real quality, strong, with great hands and he has produced some standout displays for us in the last couple of seasons.

“Like a lot of players here, Eddie is from the region, has come through the pathway and Academy to graduate to the senior squad.

“The great thing is, there is still a lot more to come from him. He has already been part of the national squad and I am sure he will be part of that for a long time. He is a player with a bright future and we are delighted he has re-signed for us for the coming seasons.

“We are putting together an exciting young squad here and Eddie is going to be a big part of that.”