Lyons signs with Scarlets
Sat, 03 May 2008 11:25
Welsh club Llanelli Scarlets have signed Australia and Waratahs back row forward 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 the Waratahs.
Lyons broke his ankle playing for Australia against Canada in last year's Rugby 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.
* Meanwhile the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) confirmed that they had agreed to an early release for Lyons.
Lyons was tied to Australian Rugby until the end of 2009 but ARU and New South Wales Rugby Union (NSW RU) agreed to review his situation after an approach from the back row forward's manager Greg Keenan.
"Using our discretionary powers, we took a commercial decision to free David from his commitments in Australia from May 31," said an ARU spokesman.
"In making this decision, we have taken into account the interests of all parties.
"He has given wonderful service to the Waratahs and Wallabies over a long period of time and we wish him well in his endeavours in Wales."
Lyons has played 44 Tests, and appeared in two World Cups, after a Wallabies debut against Argentina in 2000.
He also became only the third player in Waratahs history – alongside Chris Whitaker and Matt Burke – to reach the milestone of 100 games during this season' s Super 14 series.
