Scarlets have announced the signing of Dane Blacker from Dragons RFC.

The scrumhalf previously played for the West Wales region between 2019 and 2023 and has plied his trade at Rodney Parade for the last two seasons.

Blacker played 56 times for Scarlets in his previous spell for the club, scoring 15 tries at Parc y Scarlets. His form in 2022 earnt him an international call up during the autumn internationals.

Blacker made the bench for Wales’ match with Georgia, but was an unused substitute.

Since moving east to Dragons, the scrumhalf had appeared 33 times for the region, scoring four times.

‘Exciting team and future’

“I’m really excited to be returning to the Scarlets – a club I’ve truly enjoyed playing for in the past,” said Blacker upon signing.

“It feels great to be coming back to such a passionate rugby environment, with incredible fans who always bring energy and support. I’m looking forward to being part of an exciting team and future.”

Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel added: “We are delighted to welcome Dane back to the Scarlets – we were disappointed to see him leave a couple of years ago. He showed then the calibre of player he is, pushing himself into international contention and scoring some great tries.

“He is going to add to the quality in our scrum-half pool with Gareth and Archie here and Rhodri Lewis also pushing hard for opportunities.”

Scarlets squad shaping up

Blacker is the third confirmed signing by the Llanelli-based club, with Joe Hawkins set to join from Exeter Chiefs and Jake Ball returning for a second spell after his brief retirement.

The club have also been busy tying down a number of squad regulars who have helped guide Scarlets to a potential United Rugby Championship play-off spot.

Internationals Joe Roberts, Taine Plumtree, Eddie James, and Kemsley Mathias have all signed new deals, as have promising youngsters Macs Page and Tomi Lewis.

Ioan Lloyd, a regular flyhalf this season and Welsh international, is leaving Parc y Scarlets, though, and is joining Cardiff ahead of the 2025/26 season.

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