PROP Phil Price has joined Scarlets on a permanent deal following a spell on loan at Parc y Scarlets from the Dragons.

The 29-year-old Bridgend-born front-rower leaves the Rodney Parade region after making more than 150 appearances over the last nine years.

Price, who earned international honours at U18, U19 and U20 levels, also turned out for Premiership sides Bedwas, Cross Keys, Bargoed and Newport during his time in Gwent.

While he also captained the Dragons Premiership Select XV in this season's British & Irish Cup campaign.

Price said: "I’m grateful to the coaches at the Scarlets for the opportunities I’ve had so far this year.

"I’ve had a great welcome and the boys have been great.

"There’s a very exciting few months, and years, ahead and I hope I get an opportunity to play my part.

"I’d like to thank everyone at the Dragons for their support over the years.

"It was an honour to represent the region and I wish them all well for the remainder of the season."

Dragons head coach Bernard Jackman added: "We would like to thank Phil for his contribution to the Dragons and wish him all the very best as he embarks on a new challenge with Scarlets.

"He has been an outstanding servant to our region throughout his time here.

"This is a great opportunity for him and having already played six matches for the side, it suits his style of play.

"For the remainder of the season we are lucky enough to have four fit looseheads with Sam Hobbs, Gerard Ellis, Thomas Davies and Josh Reynolds all competing for the position."

Scarlets chief Wayne Pivac said: "We’ve been impressed with Phil since he joined us at the start of the year, he’s fitted in well to the squad and has grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

"Having strength in depth is important if we want to continue to be competitive on both fronts, in the Guinness PRO14 and European Rugby Champions Cup.

"Having a player of Phil’s experience in the squad is particularly important not only to help develop our young crop of props but also to ensure we remain competitive during the international windows."