Gloucester seal Watkins signature
by Mark May, 12 May 2008
Gloucester have announced the signing of Llanelli midfield star Matthew Watkins on a two-year deal.
The 29-year-old, who has 18 caps for Wales, will make the switch to Kingsholm in the summer and has become the latest international to join Dean Ryan’s squad following the capture of Bath centre Olly Barkley.
Gloucester’s head coach Ryan said: “Matthew has a proven pedigree as a top-class outside centre and he will bring experience, big-game expertise and first-class attitude to our squad.
“We believe his addition to the squad will greatly enhance our options and build further on a group that is progressing really well.
“At Gloucester we are promoting an environment where players have to fight for their places and Matthew’s addition emphasises that. I am really pleased he has decided to join us because he was in demand by a number of clubs and for him to choose Gloucester affirms the direction in which we are heading.”
Watkins scored 33 tries in 123 appearances since joining the Scarlets in 2002 and admits the offer was simply too good to turn down.
He added: “I would like to thank everyone at Llanelli for their help and support during my time at Stradey Park. They are a fantastic club and I wish them every success in the future.
“When the opportunity arose for me to meet with Dean Ryan and look at the set-up in place at Gloucester and their outstanding training facilities at Hartpury College, I knew it was simply too good to refuse.
“When you talk of massive clubs in England and Europe, Gloucester are right up there and I am very fortunate that I now have the opportunity to test myself with them.
“Their ambition is to be challenging regularly for honours and that is why this move is of such importance to me. It is a fantastic opportunity to take my career in a new and fresh direction and I cannot wait to get started.”