Scott Williams scored against Italy for Wales last weekend © Getty Images

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Wales have received a huge boost ahead of the weekend's clash against Ireland with the news Scott Williams has signed a new two-year deal with the Scarlets.

Wales have already lost star fullback Leigh Halfpenny to the Top 14 but the regions have managed to keep some of their top talent with Alun-Wyn Jones shunning overtures from France to stay with the Ospreys. And while Sam Warburton has stayed in Wales after signing a central contract with the Welsh Rugby Union, Williams has penned a new deal with the Scarlets.

Williams, who will start in Saturday's Six Nations Test against Ireland, was linked with moves to the Top 14 and the Aviva Premiership, but he has re-committed to the Scarlets.

"I'm really pleased to have secured my contract with the Scarlets going forward and to have committed my future to rugby in Wales," Williams said. "It's really good to have this all secured now, so I can concentrate solely on my rugby and the campaign ahead of us, both with Wales in the Six Nations and then back to RaboDirect PRO12 league action with the Scarlets."

Scarlets boss Simon Easterby, added: "Given all the debate about retaining our best players in Wales, it's a real positive for Welsh rugby as a whole that one of our top internationals has chosen to stay here to play his rugby.

"Scott is an excellent professional; he works hard, is ambitious, competitive and works well within the Scarlets team dynamic - setting high standards for himself and others. He thoroughly deserves the positive recognition and profile he has received as a player both for the Scarlets and Wales and there was a lot of demand and competition to secure him in contract.

"It's very significant and important to our region to have extended Scott's contract as a key player to build our squad around. We're proud that someone of his ability, experience and with a genuine passion for our region, has committed to remain with us in the seasons to come."