Jonathan Davies has ended speculation linking him with a move to Northampton Saints by signing a new deal with Scarlets.

The Saints had been confident of signing the Wales centre in time for the next season.

However, Davies has revealed that he never had any intention of leaving his current employers.

"I'm delighted to be staying at the Scarlets - the region has done a lot to support my rugby career to date and it's where I feel at home as a player and where I feel I am best placed to further my ambitions both at regional and international level," he told the club's official website.

"There's great team ethic, the Scarlets boys all work hard for each other and we're a close-knit group because so many of us have come through the ranks together from within the region. There's a strong and ambitious spirit in this team and we know what it means to wear the Scarlets shirt, given our great heritage.

"Our style and brand of rugby suits me as a player and I'm just looking forward to being part of an exciting set of Scarlets backs next season."

Davies has made 83 appearances for Scarlets since graduating from their academy.