Scarlets confirm four departees

The Scarlets have confirmed that four members of the current squad will be leaving at the end of the 2018-19 season.

The four are back-rower Will Boyde, second rows David Bulbring and Tom Price and scrum-half Declan Smith.

Scarlets general manager of rugby Jon Daniels said: “The demands of professional rugby mean we have had to make some tough decisions. Unfortunately, we will be saying goodbye to players who have been excellent professionals and valued members of our squad who have played their part in our success over recent seasons.

“In an ideal world we would have liked to have kept everyone here at Parc y Scarlets, but that has not been possible. When running a business there are some difficult decisions you would rather not make.

“We would like to wish Will, David, Tom and Declan the best in their future rugby careers and maybe we will see them back here at Parc y Scarlets one day.”

Will Boyde, 24, leaves after five seasons with his home region. Having played for the Scarlets’ age-grade sides, he was capped by Wales at under-20s level. He made his debut as a replacement against Cardiff Blues in December 2014 and will run out for his 84th appearance against Zebre on Saturday. The back-rower has scored eight tries for the Scarlets and captained the side in the home win over Ulster in November. He was a member of the squad that clinched the Guinness PRO12 title in Dublin in 2017.

David Bulbring arrived in Llanelli in February 2016, having previously played for Eastern Province Kings. He has made 79 appearances for the Scarlets over four seasons. He came off the bench in the memorable PRO12 final victory over Munster and featured in all of the region’s European Champions Cup matches on the way to the semi-finals last season.

Former England Under-20s international Tom Price made his Scarlets debut against Jersey Reds in August 2015 and has made 56 appearances in a Scarlets jersey, scoring three tries. He has agreed a two-year deal to join Exeter Chiefs for next season.

Scrum-half Declan Smith has played 12 matches in Scarlets colours since making his debut in a pre-season encounter against the Chiefs three years ago. A Wales Under-20s cap, he is a product of the Scarlets Academy system.