David Lyons has proven a big hit with the Scarlets since arriving in Llanell in 2008 © Getty Images

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The Scarlets have announced that they have granted No.8 David Lyons an early release from his contract to facilitate a move to France.

The former Wallaby, who moved to Llanelli in 2008, still had a year to run on his contract with the region but will be allowed to leave this summer to join an as yet unknown French side.

"It's not an easy decision to move on, we've had a great few years in Wales and have been made to feel very much part of the Scarlets way of life in west Wales," Lyons said. "I always planned to play in France and I've been working closely with the region for some months now on my release. I'm looking forward to the opportunities ahead of me now and the chance to pursue my ambitions with a French club."

Despite his willingness to move on, Lyons is in no doubt that the future is bright for the Scarlets, who only narrowly missed out on this year's Magners League play-offs, finishing fifth, a point behind the fourth-placed Ospreys.

"It's been one of the most enjoyable times of my rugby playing career at the Scarlets and I have great respect for the commitment being made to develop new young talent at Parc y Scarlets," he said. "Credit should be given to the club for its vision - there are some really good young players coming through now for the region and I'm pleased to have played my part in helping bring some of these players through.

"Being part of the Scarlets has been something I've valued and feel honoured to have experienced - it's a really good young side and the guys play an exciting, attacking brand of rugby which has been great to be part of.

"This Scarlets team will only go from strength-to-strength with the core of players they have gaining in experience. You've got the quality and ambition of some great young blokes in the back row, they will put their body on the line and won't shirk anything.

"There's a strong united team spirit and values within the Scarlets set-up which you don't find everywhere and the supporters are some of the most passionate and loyal fans you'll find in world rugby. I'm really grateful for the welcome and support they've given me over the past three years."