Saints coach delighted to have 'matchwinner' North
Wales winger can help take Northampton to the next level, says Jim Mallinder.
Scarlets v Ospreys in PRO12 West Wales derby
This evening sees the West Wales derby in the RaboDirect PRO12. Our Sports Correspondent Richard Morgan looks ahead to the big game.
Scarlets thrash Euro giants Leinster at start of PRO12
The Llanelli side ran out 45-20 winners over their weakened Irish opposition, while Cardiff Blues beat Connacht 13-9.
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Ex-Wales international Matthew J Watkins has cancer
Former Wales international rugby player Matthew J Watkins has announced he has cancer.
He says he has a very rare form of cancer of his right pelvis, but "remains well and active" while being treated at Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff.
The 34-year-old from Newport won 19 caps for Wales, and played at centre for clubs including the Scarlets and the Dragons, before retiring in 2011.
“Obviously it’s very disappointing news for me and my family but I’m keen to progress with my treatment and battle the illness with the same commitment as I gave to my rugby career", he said.
“I would like to thank everyone who has offered their support and the fantastic support from the guys at Velindre Cardiff. I am determined to continue my everyday life with my family and friends."
Ken Owens ruled out of Japan tour
Wales have suffered a third injury setback ahead of their tour to Japan next month with Ken Owens ruled out through injury.
Hooker Owens has followed his Scarlets colleagues - fly-half Rhys Priestland (Achilles) and centre Scott Williams (shoulder) - in being ruled out of the two-Test trip.
He took a blow to his neck during the Scarlets' RaboDirect PRO12 play-off defeat against Ulster in Belfast last Friday, which affected a nerve in his arm.
Uncapped Newport Gwent Dragons hooker Sam Parry was called into the Wales training squad earlier this week.
Tour head coach Robin McBryde is due to announce his final 27-man tour party next Tuesday.
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Scarlets injury update
Scarlets and Wales hooker Ken Owens was taken to hospital in Belfast as a precaution following Friday night's RaboDirect Pro12 semi-final clash against Ulster. He underwent three scans after sustaining a neck injury in the 28-17 defeat at Ravenhill. He was flown back to Wales today.
The Wales rugby medical team will review and assess Rhys Priestland's fitness when he reports to join the Wales set-up on Monday morning. The outside half suffered tension and stiffening of his Achilles tendon in the warm-up before the Ulster game.
Centre Scott Williams is also being assessed and monitored after picking up a shoulder injury, as will full back Liam Williams who experienced issues with his hamstring.
A Scarlets spokesperson said the side's medical team has been in close contact with the WRU over the weekend and all four injured internationals will report to the Wales team on Monday as planned.
Ulster 28-17 Scarlets (FT)
Second half tries from Gareth Davies and Sione Timani helped the Scarlets claw back some points, but it was not enough to get them through to the RaboDirect Pro12 final. Final score Ulster 28-17 Scarlets.
It's all over at Ravenhill. Ulster 28 Scarlets 17.
From @scarlets_rugby on Twitter:Ulster 18 - 3 Scarlets (HT)
Owen Williams gave the Scarlets an early lead, but tries from Tommy Bowe and Robbie Diack combined with Ruan Pienaar's reliable boot have left Ulster 18-3 up at half time.
Scarlets sign Scotland international Barclay
The Scarlets have signed Scotland international flanker John Barclay from Glasgow on a three-year deal.
The 26-year-old said: "I am really looking forward to moving to the Scarlets next season. Having seen the ambition they play with, the style, rugby philosophy and tradition of such a great rugby region, I know that it will be a great move for me."
"It's going to be an exciting opportunity for me to experience a new environment in West Wales. It will be good to be part of a team that has so much talent, potential and energy with a mix of key world-class players along with world class playing and training facilities."
Scarlets Head Coach Simon Easterby said: "We are very pleased to have signed John. He will add real value to our group both in terms of his own exceptional ability and experience but also will be a great mentor to a number of our younger back-rowers coming through the system."
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Scarlets trio extend contracts
Scott Williams, Gareth Maule and Adam Warren have all signed on to stay at the Scarlets for next season.
Head coach, Simon Easterby said the three re-signings added to the Llanelli side's "strong foundation" in terms of "experience, quality and flair."
Williams said: "I am delighted to be staying at the Scarlets – I wouldn’t want to play my rugby anywhere else and it was important to me to be part of this rugby squad and region having grown-up with Scarlets rugby."
Pontypool-born Maule said: "It is really important to me to be part of the Scarlets going forward; there’s a great spirit and determination in this region and we’re a close-knit squad of players at Parc y Scarlets who are determined to achieve success."
Warren said: "The region invested in me and gave me opportunities when I stepped up to the senior squad in 2011, developing me as a player and I just want to push on now and stay competitive.”
HALF TIME: Scarlets 16 Glasgow 6
A first half try by hooker Ken Owens has helped the Scarlets to a 16 points to 6 lead over Glasgow at the break. The Scots are currently at the top of the Rabo Direct Pro12 table. The Scarlets realistically need this win to keep their hopes of making the league play-offs this season alive.
Saints coach delighted to have 'matchwinner' North
Wales winger can help take Northampton to the next level, says Jim Mallinder.
Read the full storyGeorge North's Northampton deal follows WRU/Scarlets row
Today's news that George North has completed his move to the Northampton Saints brings to an end speculation over his future that began when the Welsh Rugby Union accused the Scarlets' management of trying to sell the 20 year old without his knowledge.
In a statement two weeks ago, the WRU claimed that the "Scarlets opened discussions to transfer the player with clubs outside Wales and the UK late in 2012."
The union said that "George North informed the WRU shortly after the Wales v Ireland RBS 6 Nations international on February 2nd 2013 that he had then been told of the transfer proposal."
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