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

Canada international DTH van der Merwe is poised to depart the Scarlets for Newcastle Falcons at the end of the season.

The 30-year-old wing, who has averaged almost a try every two games in his two campaigns at Llanelli, becomes a free agent in the summer.

It is understood he has made up his mind to leave Wales for a stint under Dean Richards at Newcastle.

His departure will not be seen as a major shock, as there have been rumours for quite a while that the South Africa-born player might be on his way.

But it means that with Liam Williams lined up for a move to Saracens, the Scarlets face losing two international back-three men for 2017-18.

That said, they have brought Johnny McNicholl into their side from Super Rugby this season and Steff Evans is developing into one of the most dangerous wings in the Guinness Pro12.

The Scarlets also have highly rated teenager Ryan Conbeer coming through the ranks — West Wales’s version of Keelan Giles, according to some — and may feel it is time to accelerate his progress.

And the former league champions have Hadleigh Parkes to provide further cover out wide, though the New Zealander prefers to play in the centre.