Gareth Owen has penned a two-year deal with the Scarlets © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Gareth Owen

Tournaments/Tours: RaboDirect PRO12

Teams: England | London Welsh | Ospreys | Scarlets | Wales

The Scarlets have announced the capture of Gareth Owen on a two-year deal.

The utility back missed the majority of last season due to a knee ligament injury but is now back in pre-season training with the Scarlets. He was released by the Ospreys at the end of the campaign and Owen, who has played Sevens for Wales, is relishing the chance to get back into action.

"This is a great opportunity for me and I'm really eager to get back onto the field and enjoy my rugby again," Owen said. "It's been a long break but that just motivates you more. The Scarlets have a very ambitious squad and strong coaching team and I think I'll fit in very well here in terms of the style of play and the energy there is around the set-up at Parc y Scarlets.

"I have a lot of respect for the coaches here; Simon Easterby, Mark Jones and Danny Wilson have clear goals and ambitions for next season and I'm really excited by the challenge ahead of me. I'm grateful for the support they are giving and that they are showing faith in my ability and backing my return to form."

Owen had been linked with newly promoted side London Welsh but he has opted against playing in the Aviva Premiership to stay in the RaboDirect PRO12. Scarlets attack coach Mark Jones is looking forward to seeing Owen in action.

"Gareth is a talented player, we've obviously seen him perform here in Wales for a few years and the attraction for us is that he's so versatile, has real potential on the field for us and can provide some exciting attacking options," Jones said. "He is in pre-season training and looking very comfortable and with the support and knowledge that we have in terms of our conditioning and medical team who have a great deal of experience working with knee injuries, we are looking forward to supporting him on his return to full fitness and witnessing his rugby talent back on the field."