The Scarlets have successfully staved off interest from English clubs to retain the services of Wales star Blair Murray until at least 2028. According to a report in MailOnline back in April Murray had many admirers in the Gallagher Premiership but he has instead put pen to paper on a new deal with the Scarlets . This will also come as a big boost to new Wales head coach Steve Tandy because if Murray had moved over the Severn Bridge he would have become ineligible to represent his country under the controversial 25-cap law. Murray joined the Scarlets from Canterbury as a relative unknown last summer but has been a revelation since arriving in Wales. The diminutive back-three player is a devastating attacking player with wicked footwork and a deadly turn of pace, while he is also an extremely intelligent footballer. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. He finished the season as the Scarlets’ top try-scorer with 11 tries - including a memorable effort in the URC quarter-final play-off against Leinster in Dublin - and was voted Players’ Player of the Season at the club’s end-of-season awards. He also won 10 Wales caps in his first season at Parc y Scarlets. “Blair had an incredible first season, we knew he was a good footballer and was a real running threat when we signed him, but I don’t think any of us imagined the impact he would have," said Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel. “He is the type of player who fans come to watch, someone who can light up a game and his attacking intent fits into how we want to play. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free “He carried on his Six Nations form for Wales into the final weeks of the URC and a lot of people were talking about Blair as a potential Lions tourist this summer so for him to sign a contract extension for the next three seasons is a real statement from him and from the club. “The exciting thing is that we feel there is a lot more to come from him as well and we’re looking forward to welcoming him back with the rest of the international players this week.” There is no guarantee the Scarlets or any of the other professional clubs in Wales - Cardiff , Dragons and Ospreys - will exist past the 2027/28 season, with the Welsh Rugby Union planning to radically change the structure of the professional game. But whatever happens they plan to honour player contracts and someone of Murray's quality will always have a place. “I really enjoyed my first season. I’m grateful for the opportunity the Scarlets gave me to come to Wales and play for such a proud club," said Murray. “Since being a small boy, as with many kids all over the world, you dream of being a professional rugby player and I’m lucky enough to be living that dream. “There is a great group of boys here and a great culture; everyone gets around each other and helps each other out, it’s like a family environment. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. “It’s been awesome that the coaches have had the confidence in me to go out there and do my thing. I’m loving it here which made extending my contract until 2028 an easy decision. "I’m excited to be sticking around. “I can’t wait to get back going again. This is a fantastic club with clear ambitions to challenge in the URC and in Europe and hopefully we can build on what we achieved last season.”