Photo via BBC Sport

Anscombe happy to play Scarlets supporting role

Gareth Anscombe has linked up with Scarlets for what may serve as the closing chapter of his rugby career. The 35-year-old fly-half became a free agent following a six-game spell at Bayonne, having previously logged 17 appearances for Gloucester and 18 across two seasons with the Ospreys after recovering from a severe two-year knee setback suffered in 2019.

Head coach Dwayne Peel brought in the veteran to provide experienced cover alongside Welsh international Sam Costelow and 18-year-old prospect Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, a talent Anscombe believes Wales should avoid rushing into international action prematurely. While acknowledging that his seniority shifts his priority toward mentoring younger teammates, Anscombe remains eager to earn game time and test the coaching staff's selection decisions.

The playmaker already featured in an 80-14 warm-up loss against the Dragons and is scheduled to meet Saracens before opening the United Rugby Championship schedule against Cardiff on September 26.