John Barclay believes his career is entering an "exciting" new phase after the flanker completed a move from Glasgow Warriors to their RaboDirect Pro12 rivals Scarlets on a three-year deal.
The Welsh side made their move when the experienced flanker was deemed surplus to requirements by Gregor Townsend, the Warriors head coach.
Barclay, who was Glasgow's best player in their recent defeat by Scarlets, said: "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.
"I've been lucky to be with Glasgow for nine years and helped them become a very competitive side. Having been with them all my professional career, a move had to be to the right club with an environment and philosophy I could relate to and to a team that I could make a difference within. It's going to be an exciting opportunity for me to experience a new environment in west Wales in the first move of my club career."
Simon Easterby, the Scarlets head coach, said: "John is a dynamic player who will offer another added dimension to the existing talent we have in our back row. He has shown that he is really at the top of his game since coming back from injury. At just 26, he brings world-class experience yet still has his best rugby years ahead of him."
Barclay joined Warriors at 17 in 2004 and won 41 Scotland caps during his spell in Glasgow. He has made 150 appearances for Glasgow and played in their five-try 35-17 victory over the Ospreys last Friday.
Another internationalist seeking to revitalise his career is Phil Godman, the former Edinburgh playmaker.
Godman is one of three Scots who have signed for Aviva Premiership-bound Newcastle Falcons and is hoping his second stint at Kingston Park – he was there in 2002 – and a reunion with his former national team and clubmate Mike Blair, can lead to a revival of his Test career.
Godman, who is making the switch from London Scottish, will be joined at Falcons by Scott Lawson and Fraser McKenzie, both moving from Sale Sharks. "Wearing the black-and-white kit again is an exciting prospect," he said. "At the age of 30, I feel I still have my best years ahead of me."
Godman, who has 23 Scotland caps, last played in an international in the 15-15 Calcutta Cup draw at Murrayfield. Injury then put him out of the running for a place in the World Cup squad in New Zealand the following year.
The professional career of another former Edinburgh and Scotland man, Simon Taylor, could be at an end after the 33-year-old back-row forward was freed by Bath.
*Glasgow have confirmed that stand-off Duncan Weir suffered a broken leg during Friday night's victory over Ospreys. The club said the 21-year-old underwent successful surgery on a fracture to his right fibula over the weekend and has been discharged from hospital.
Coach Gregor Townsend had already ruled Weir out of Glasgow's play-off campaign and predicted he would miss the start of next season, too.
Townsend said: "We're all gutted for Duncan. He's had a really good season and he'll be disappointed to miss the final few games. He's now on the road to recovery and we wish him all the best for his rehabilitation."
Weir said: "I'd like to thank everyone for their messages of support. My phone has not stopped and it has really helped me over the last couple of days."
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