Scotland lock Scott MacLeod, who enjoyed an impressive debut season last year, has put pen to paper on the same three-year deal.

Rising stars Gavin Evans, Darren Daniel, Ceiron Thomas, Ken Owens and Jon Davies have also committed their future to the Heineken Cup semi-finalists, each of them signing on for a further three seasons.

Experienced forwards Vernon Cooper and Nathan Thomas have signed a one-year extension, as has Jonathan Edwards, the current captain of the Welsh Sevens.

Scarlets Chief Executive Stuart Gallacher said: "I am absolutely delighted to announce the extensions of the contracts of the players concerned."

"It will ensure when we move to our fantastic new stadium we will have a core of very established Scarlets players in place."

It was also announced that four Scarlets Academy players have been promoted to the regional squad for the duration of the Rugby World Cup.

Wales age-group players flankers Nic Cudd (Ponthenri) and Josh Turnbull (Newcastle Emlyn), centre Rhys Williams (Burry Port) and fullback Daniel Evans (Ammanford) have been in the academy for two years.

Evans is the only one of the quartet to have played for the region before, making his debut against Connacht in the Scarlets' final game of last season.

Director of Rugby Phil Davies reckoned that by looking to the talent in their own region, the Scarlets had set themselves for a bright future.

"I have always placed a heavy emphasis on planning within your own playing group," he said.

"We've got plenty of talent within the Scarlets region who have developed outstandingly well over the years, and when you add the experienced players to the equation, it offers the Scarlets plenty of stability and an exciting future."