Rugby: Scarlets pack boosted by signatures

Llanelli chief executive Stuart Gallacher today resigned four players and insisted there are more major new signings to come.

Hooker Marcus Thomas, prop Phil Booth, lock Vernon Cooper and flanker Ian Boobyer all pledged their future to the Scarlets for a further two years as Gallacher rebuilds his side in a bid to be a major European rugby power again.

This boost to the squad comes after inspirational club captain Scott Quinnell committed his long-term future to the Scarlets, along with Irish international flanker Simon Easterby and prop Martyn Madden.

Further signings are to follow by the end of the season according to the man at the helm of Wales’ most successful club.

Gallacher said: ‘‘We are in the middle of a major rebuilding programme at the club as we search for another taste of the European glory we experienced this season and last.

‘‘The signatures of four key forwards is another piece in the jigsaw. This is a major boost for what we are trying to achieve at Stradey Park.

‘‘Each player is an integral part of our forward unit and this news gives the club further confidence as we build for the future.

‘‘However, it is still our intention to strengthen the squad with a number of new faces and there will certainly be further major recruitment by the end of the season.’’