From correspondents in Cardiff
May 03, 2008 WELSH club Llanelli Scarlets have signed Australia and New South Wales back rower David Lyons on a four-year contract.

Scarlets chief executive Stuart Gallacher said Lyons, who has won 43 Wallabies caps, was looking for a new challenge in European rugby.

"I met with David and his representatives in Sydney last week in what was an extremely productive meeting," Gallacher said.

"David outlined his reasons on why he wanted to play in Europe. And with a change of lifestyle and new surroundings, we are confident he will flourish with the Scarlets."

Lyons' departure will be a blow to the Waratahs.

The 27-year-old recently joined Chris Whitaker and Matt Burke as the only players to have made 100 appearances for NSW.

Lyons broke his ankle playing for Australia against Canada in last year's World Cup but is now back to full fitness.

His arrival in Llanelli means the club's Wales back rower Alix Popham has been freed to join England World Cup winners Ben Cohen and Steve Thompson at French club Brive