Gareth Anscombe has returned to Wales after signing for Scarlets ahead of the 2026-27 season. The 35-year-old former Cardiff and Ospreys player arrives in Llanelli after spending the last campaign in France with Bayonne.
Why have Scarlets brought him in?
Scarlets have signed Anscombe, who can also play full-back, to provide competition for Wales playmaker Sam Costelow. The region have also been seeking an experienced option after recent struggles at 10 when Costelow was injured.
“He's coming here hungry to compete,”
Nigel Davies, Scarlets' director of rugby, said of the 42-times capped Anscombe.
“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.”
Scarlets have not revealed the length of Anscombe's deal.
How has Scarlets' fly-half cover looked recently?
Scarlets have had difficulties at fly-half in Costelow's absence. Wales centre Joe Hawkins had to deputise at fly-half, starting there 11 times, and Wales Under-20s international Carwyn Leggatt-Jones featured alongside his studies at Llandovery College.
Scarlets sign WRU deal but peace is temporary. Halfpenny commits coaching future to Cardiff. Welsh rugby's ins, outs and re-signings for 2026-27.
What did Anscombe say about the move?
Anscombe, who was limited to just five appearances for Bayonne in the Top 14 because of injury, said he believes he can make an impact in west Wales.
“I still have a huge desire to compete and to contribute on the field and help the team win matches,”
“Competition brings the best out of players and that's exactly what I want.
“My goal is to help push standards, share some of my experience and continue challenging myself.”
Anscombe began his career in New Zealand before moving to Cardiff in 2014. He made his Wales debut in 2015, qualifying through his Welsh mother. He then moved to Ospreys in 2019 and spent four seasons with the club before spells at Gloucester and Bayonne.
What has changed at Scarlets this summer?
Scarlets finished 14th in the United Rugby Championship last season, above only Dragons and Zebre. They have strengthened their squad for the coming campaign with Wales prop Corey Domachowski, once-capped New Zealand forward Cullen Grace, locks Harvey Cuckson, Alex Groves and Tom Allen, hookers John McKee and George Roberts and full-back Isaac Murray-Macgregor.
