A player who came through the junior ranks at Newcastle Emlyn Rugby Club and has played for the Scarlets has joined rivals Ospreys.

Loose-head prop Gareth Thomas (20) joins the region on a three-year contract from Carmarthen Quins of the Welsh Premiership.

After cutting his teeth at Ddol Wyber the affable front-rower played for the Scarlets from Under-16 level upwards and last year started for Wales in the junior World Championship final against England.

The front-rower has had an outing with the Scarlets in the LV=Cup (Anglo-Welsh Cup) and turned out for Llanelli in the British and Irish Cup.

Ospreys rugby operations manager Andy Lloyd said the region had been watching Thomas closely with the Quins and he had shown outstanding form.

“Over the past few seasons we’ve really liked what we’ve seen of Gareth. He’s a great character and someone who wants to improve and I’m sure that his joining the Ospreys will benefit everyone.

Delighted with the move Thomas said “It’s an exciting prospect and I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to do enough to impress the coaches and earn a place in the team,” he said.