Jenkins has welcomed the UWIC link

Llanelli-based Scarlets have arranged a partnership with Cardiff-based Division One East university side UWIC.

They plan a player development pathway between the Scarlets academy and the university's School of Sport.

"We are delighted to have linked with UWIC RFC," said Scarlets head of regional development and recruitment Gareth Jenkins.

"This gives our academy players the best opportunity to expand their rugby development and studies."

UWIC RFC chief executive Mike Wall added: "There are enormous pressures for any modern young rugby player as they embark on their professional sporting careers and our aim is to support and encourage them as students and players to have high ambitions on and off the field."

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The news follows last week's announcement that the Scarlets' regional rivals the Ospreys had arranged a partnership with London Welsh.

In January, Scarlets coach Nigel Davies called for a change in the Welsh regions' boundaries in order to increase player numbers in the Llanelli-based side's geographical area of control.

He believes the Scarlets are disadvantaged by having around 6,000 registered players on their patch, compared to neighbours Ospreys' 12,000.

Those boundaries were set when the original five regions were formed from Wales' leading club teams ahead of the 2003/4 season.

UWIC RFC fields four teams overseen by director of rugby Chris Davey.

They play in Division One East, the Swalec Cup and the British Universities competition, and the university also runs a successful sevens side.

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