Former Newport Gwent Dragons scrum-half Jonathan Evans is returning to Wales to join the Scarlets.

Evans – who moved across the border last summer – has found opportunities limited at his current club Bath and has only made three appearances this season.

He will join the Scarlets on a two-year-deal at the end of this season and fill the gap left by Rhodri Williams who is travelling in the other direction to join Bristol.

Evans will compete for the No.9 shirt at Parc Y Scarlets with current Wales first choice Gareth Davies and fellow national squad member Aled Davies.

Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac said: “Having been unsuccessful in retaining Rhodri’s services, and with Gareth and Aled’s inclusion in Welsh squad, we were keen to bring someone in with Pro12 level experience.

“We were particularly keen to sign a Welsh qualified player and we’re pleased to have secured the signature of Jonathan’s quality. With two halfbacks in the Welsh set-up it was important we have a third who has experience as we continue to develop the young halfbacks.”

Evans, 23, scored 11 tries for the Dragons in 81 appearances after becoming the youngest player to represent the region when he made his senior debut, aged 17.

He said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining the Scarlets with the team that they are building and the way they have been playing this season. I’m looking forward to returning to play in Wales and playing in the PRO12.

“I feel that I have learnt a lot on and off the field playing in the Premiership with Bath but am excited by the opportunities and challenges ahead with the Scarlets.”

Bath head coach Mike Ford said: “We’ve got some very talented scrum-halves in the squad, and we’re sorry to see Jonathan go, but I’m sure he’ll be a great success at Scarlets.”