Scarlets set to punch with Rocky

Scarlets Chief Executive Stuart Gallacher and Director of Rugby Phil Davies are heading to Australia this week, with Waratahs back-rower Rocky Elsom said to be top of their wish list.

Scarlets Chief Executive Stuart Gallacher and Director of Rugby Phil Davies are heading to Australia this week, with Waratahs back-rower Rocky Elsom said to be top of their wish list.

The South Wales Evening Post said that it understood that Elsom was top of the wish list, after the flanker said this year he was weighing up his options. He is out of contract this year with the ARU.

Number eight Alix Popham is said to be just a short step away from moving to Brive, and Elsom, 25, is seen as the ideal replacement, a player in the same mould.

Gallacher and Davies left for Australia on Sunday insistng that they were heading there – and to New Zealand – to build relationships and not just plunder the riches.

“This isn't just about going to Australia or New Zealand and signing a big name,” said Gallacher.

“It's about building relationships with the relevant people.

“We are obviously looking to strengthen our squad but that is an ongoing scenario as we look to an extremely prosperous future.”