Get the latest Welsh rugby news sent straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac has confirmed that second row Tadhg Beirne is returning to Ireland for next season.

Speaking at today’s European Champions Cup launch in Dublin, the New Zealander revealed that the 25-year-old has turned down an offer to stay in Llanelli and that the Guinness PRO14 champions are already looking for a replacement.

“We’ve moved on, we’re looking at another second row to replace Tadhg,” Pivac told The42 website.

“He won’t be with us next year, we’ve had that conversation.

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

“We are obviously sad to see him go because he’s been great for us, but if it doesn’t work out for him in Ireland then we’ll be happy to have him back at the drop of a hat.

“We tried to keep him and we put a very good contract in front of him but it’s not about the money for Tadhg.

“It’s about the opportunity to play for his country and I respect that.”

Beirne joined the Scarlets in the summer of 2016 after struggling for game time for Leinster.

He was outstanding in the region’s march to the league title last season and has started this season in similar vein, leading the PRO14 turnover chart after five rounds.

Speculation has mounted in recent weeks that Beirne was set to agree a deal with Munster, who see him as a long-term successor for Ireland international Donncha Ryan, who is now plying his trade in France with Racing 92.

It is understood that Beirne’s international ambitions are playing a key part in his decision to return to provincial rugby.

“He’s just got better and better,” added. “He didn’t have the greatest pair of hands on him when he got here but now he’s fit in really well. He works hard on his game, extras after training and that sort of thing. He is very determined to do well.

“He’s a big engine, he goes all day long as he’s very fit. He can play in more than one position, he can play in the second row or the side of the scrum. He’s good aerially and very, very strong in the upper body and you see that when he's in that breakdown contest.

“He picks his battles and goes in hard over the ball, he has a great body position and is immensely strong in the upper body so very hard to move. Quite often he'll get a straight turn over, not just a turnover penalty for us.

“I suppose the question on him at international level is would he be big enough?

“Look, I just hope he gets the opportunity to do that as he’s desperate to do that. I hope he does get the opportunity and we’ll know the answer to the question.”