Ollie Smith assessing his options

It has been a busy day in the contract stakes, with the Scarlets, Worcester and Leicester all busy securing, or trying to in Leicester's case, players' long-term futures.

It has been a busy day in the contract stakes, with the Scarlets, Worcester and Leicester all busy securing, or trying to in Leicester's case, players' long-term futures.

Tigers centre Ollie Smith, who almost left Welford Road last season, has revealed his is in talks with other clubs about his future.

While Leicester are keen to retain the services of the five-times capped England centre they are moving to cover their bases, showing an interest in Newcastle's Mathew Tait.

At this stage Smith is just assessing his options but has expressed an interest in playing abroad before his career is over.

“My contract runs out at the end of the season and I'm in negotiations now,” Smith told Leicester Mercury.

“It's the standard sort of thing at this time of the year. You look at your options, like I have done the last few times my contract has been up for renewal.

Meanwhile the Scarlets have signed former All Black Simon Maling, who joins from Japanese side Suntory.

The 32-year-old second row won eleven caps for New Zealand, as well as being a regular feature for both Otago and the Highlanders, and is excited by the challenge ahead.

“I am really looking forward to joining the Scarlets, it is great to be joining a traditionally strong region which has such a proud history,” said Maling.

Elsewhere Worcester have re-signed second row Craig Gillies on a three year contract extension, keeping him at Sixways until at least 2011.

“I'm delighted to sign a new contract and commit my future, having already had six enjoyable years at Warriors,” Gillies said.

“I'm still very motivated by the club and what we are striving trying to achieve. There are a lot of exciting plans, both on and off the field, and I want to be a part of that development.”