Neath have re-signed Richard Smith after his release by the Scarlets.

The versatile three-quarter made his debut for Neath in 2008/09 in a 57-14 win at Tata Steel after starring for nearby Bryncoch. He broke into the Neath squad the following season and, in 16 appearances, he scored 11 tries, 7 of them coming in a remarkable club record in the non-League win over Kidwelly.

He then signed professional terms with the Cardiff Blues in 2010 and spent five years at the region before signing for the Scarlets. During his regional days, he also played in the Premiership for Cardiff, Pontypridd and Llandovery.

Capable of playing in the centre or on the wing, Smith’s pace was put to good use on the Sevens circuit competing in the HSBC World Sevens series where he scored 26 tries for Wales.

Neath coach Gareth Llewellyn said, “Richard will bring regional-level experience, skill and finesse to our talented back-line. He is a very sound player and, as soon as he became available, we were keen to bring home another local boy who knows what Neath is about.”