Ken Owens: Product of the Scarlets academy

Wales hooker Ken Owens has extended his contract with Scarlets.

The one-club man, who came through the academy, already has 135 senior appearances to go with his 14 international caps.

And the 26-year-old said: "I'm delighted to be staying at the Scarlets - the region that I grew up in, where I feel at home and that has fully supported my rugby career to date.

"I look forward to pushing on with my ambitions at both regional and international level by continuing to play my rugby in Wales.

"There's a strong spirit in this team and the players in West Wales know what it means to wear the Scarlets shirt and have a strong sense of community, given our great heritage."

Scarlets did not release details on the length of Owens' new deal, but head coach Simon Easterby said: "It was important to have secured Ken for the future as a key player to build our squad around.

"We are delighted that someone of his ability, experience and with genuine passion for our region has committed to remain with us in the seasons to come.

"It was important for Ken to stay at the Scarlets to further his career within our set-up as somewhere where he knows he will play a crucial role going forward."