The Scarlets’ hopes of Rhys Priestland returning to the region could be undermined by Bath’s determination to keep him.

Priestland is out of contract at the end of the season and the Scarlets would like him to re-join them to help plug the gap at full-back by Liam Williams’ impending move to Saracens.

But Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder has said the club would like to keep Priestland – who they use in his more usual position of fly-half – regardless of whether they manage to hold on to England No.10 George Ford.

“We’re working to retain Rhys,” Blackadder told the Bath Chronicle.

“We were always going to do that regardless of the situation (with Ford).”

Priestland made his Bath debut after the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He has made ten Premiership starts for the club, plus eight appearances from the bench.

This season, he has only featured in a total of seven games due to knee injuries suffered against Newcastle Falcons in September and Bristol in November.

“Rhys hasn’t really had much of a chance this season, but he’s played at the highest level,” Blackadder added.

“He’s an international ten. They’re like hen’s teeth. They’re gold and you want to have two guys competing for a spot like that. You need someone who can lead a team off the field, but also on it,” Blackadder continued.

“I think that’s absolutely critical; having those guys with that experience in key positions. Rhys brings a lot of experience.”