Scarlets have announced the signing of Wales fly half Gareth Anscombe for the 2026/27 season, following his departure from French Top14 side Bayonne.

Anscombe has won 42 caps for Wales, last playing during the 2025 Six Nations. During his time with the national side, he was first choice fly half during the 2019 Six Nations Grand Slam win.

Born in New Zealand, he arrives at Scarlets after a season in the Top 14 playing for Aviron Bayonnais.

His previous clubs include Gloucester Rugby, Cardiff and Ospreys, having played also in Super Rugby for the Blues and Chiefs.

“I’m genuinely excited to be joining the Scarlets at what I believe is an exciting time for the club,” Anscombe said.

“I have watched the recruitment and strengthening of the squad over recent months with interest and there’s a lot of ambition here at Parc y Scarlets and a great environment to work within.

“I still have a huge desire to compete and to contribute on the field and help the team win matches.”

Anscombe supplements the Scarlets fly half options, where Wales squad members Sam Costelow and Joe Hawkins shared duties last season, with young starlet Carwyn Leggatt-Jones getting senior minutes during the international window.

“Competition brings the best out of players and that’s exactly what I want,” he added.

“Sam is an outstanding player, Elis [Price] and Carwyn are both very bright young 10s for the Scarlets now and in the future and I’m looking forward to working alongside them. My goal is to help push standards, share some of my experience and continue challenging myself.

“From speaking with the Scarlets coaching group, I was really impressed by the energy and focus here and where this club wants to go. There is a clear vision, there’s an exciting group of players and I wanted to be part of that journey.”

“Every recruitment decision starts with one simple question – does this make us better? And we believe Gareth unquestionably does,” Scarlets director of rugby Nigel Davies said.

“Occupying such an influential position on the field, his ability to control games, make good decisions under pressure and lead a team in the game is invaluable.

“Gareth has consistently demonstrated those qualities throughout his club and international career.

“He’s coming here hungry to compete. He’s joining Scarlets to challenge for the jersey and because he believes he can make a real contribution to this team – and that’s exactly the type of mentality we want within our environment.”

If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.

Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.

You can also keep track of our pieces and videos on our socials at @Sportin_Wales on X or Sportin Wales on Instagram and Facebook.