The 27-year-old second row enjoyed a stand out first season in Llanelli, culminating in picking up the players’ vote in the end-of-season awards and the player of the match in the Judgement Day finale against the Dragons.
Craig finished the regular season as the third highest tackler in the United Rugby Championship and provided a powerhouse presence at the heart of the Scarlets pack, playing 20 games and scoring tries in both wins over Cardiff.
From Dumfries in the west of Scotland, Craig has been capped twice at international level, with his form for the Scarlets seeing him named in Gregor Townsend’s squad for the forthcoming summer tour of the Americas.
Delighted Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said:
“Alex had a big first year for us and being named player of the season by his fellow players was a deserved reward. I have spoken of him being an ‘old school’ lock, a player who gets round the field, carries aggressively and has high ruck numbers – his contribution has been invaluable this season.
“His recall to the Scotland squad is an indication of how well he has performed in a Scarlets jersey and we wish him well for the upcoming summer tour.”
“For Alex to re-sign with the club is another statement of intent for the coming season. We have made some really positive signings and retained key personnel as well. We are back in at the start of July and then the likes of Alex and our other internationals will join us a bit later as preparations ramp up for the new campaign.”
Equally as pleased with agreeing terms Craig said:
“I thoroughly enjoyed my first year in Llanelli, the players, staff and supporters made me feel really welcome and it was great to get out there and play a lot of rugby after a couple of frustrating seasons with injury.
“We didn’t get the results we wanted, but there’s a great bunch of boys at the club working hard to turn things around. We have a young, exciting squad with some new faces coming aboard and I’m looking forward to linking up with the boys again after the summer tour ready to go again next season.”
Alex is the latest player to recommit to the Scarlets ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, following Tonga lock Sam Lousi, Wales internationals Johnny Williams, Tom Rogers and Harri O’Connor and back-rowers Dan Davis and Ben Williams.
Scarlets have also strengthened their squad with the addition of hooker Marnus van der Merwe, prop Alec Hepburn, full-back Ellis Mee, lock Max Douglas, Wales international prop Henry Thomas and back-three player Blair Murray.
[Lead image: Scarlets Rugby]
