Stephen Jones signed a new contract with the Scarlets last year

Boss Dai Young has confirmed that Scarlets fly-half Stephen Jones is not a target for Cardiff Blues.

Young's confirmation came after the Scarlets denied newspaper reports the Wales and Lions player was set to join their Magners League rivals.

"That is absolutely not on the money at all. I have informed the press that that isn't the case," said Young.

Scarlets chief Stuart Gallacher earlier denied Jones was to leave, saying the player has pledged his future to them.

Young added: "[Stephen is] obviously a proud Scarlet and I'm sure he'll be there to fight the cause and help them move forward."

Jones, 31, rejoined the Scarlets in summer 2006 after spending two seasons with French club Clermont Auvergne.

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"I've got a contract for next season as well and as far as I know I'm committed to the Scarlets," said Jones, speaking to BBC Wales' Scrum V Radio this week.

"It's a great club, I love playing for the Scarlets. I've been there for a good few years now and I've been fortunate to have a lot of positive experiences with the Scarlets.

"I live in the region where I play my rugby with a great group of guys you know, I can't wish for more."

Gallacher, who will step down as Scarlets chief at the end of the season after 13 years in the post, says that Jones will definitely remain a fixture at Parc y Scarlets next season.

"I have spoken to Stephen this afternoon [Sunday] and he assures me that he has not spoken to any other club or his agent regarding his future," Gallacher told BBC Wales.

"He has a three-year contract with us until the end of the 2009/10 season and we look forward to working with him going forward on a fresh campaign next season."

Last year Jones was linked heavily with a move back to France to join Biarritz, while English giants Leicester were also thought to be interested.

Jones had a clause in his contract that allowed him to look for other offers.

But the Wales fly-half ended speculation by signing a new Scarlets deal in January 2008.

Wales and Llanelli legend Phil Bennett told Scrum V: "When Stephen gives his word, I think he's an honest man and he's a proud man.

"I was in Manchester this week at a very high-profile rugby dinner and the talk there was of him joining Leicester, so these rumours will abound.

"It's not a great time for these sort of rumours to come when the Scarlets are at a pretty low ebb so that will come as wonderful news for them that Stephen Jones has pledged his future to the Scarlets."

The Scarlets have struggled this season, despite moving to a smart, new stadium home in Parc y Scarlets.

The rugby on the field has been disappointing and attendances have slumped as a result.

Friday night's 29-10 loss in Munster left the Scarlets in seventh place in the Magners League.

Former Lions and Wales wing Dafydd James has revealed he has taken legal advice over the cancellation of his playing contract by the Scarlets.

The Scarlets maintain that they were within their legal rights to invoke a 26-week injury clause.

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