The Scarlets have signed Samoan back row Jonny Fa'amatuainu as they continue their preparations for the new Magners League season.

The Scarlets have confirmed that they have signed back row forward Gavin Quinnell from Italian club Viadana on a two-year contract with the region.

Tommy Bowe will help the Ospreys kick-off the defence of their Magners League title with a trip to familiar territory when the Welsh region open the tournament's 10th anniversary campaign against Ulster at Ravenhill on the weekend of 4 September.

There will be plenty of new faces appearing in the Magners League this season, and not just with the two new Italian clubs, Benetton Treviso and Aironi Rugby.

The Scarlets powerful and influential no8, David Lyons returned to pre-season training with his squad this week after a six-week break in preparation for what he believes will be a key season for the region at Parc y Scarlets.

Scarlets centre Jonathan Davies says he and his Wales team-mates were encouraged by their gutsy performance in Saturday's second Test against New Zealand.

Scarlets sensation Tavis Knoyle has dedicated his first Wales cap against the All Blacks to his close family.

Scarlets' Chief Executive Paul Sergeant has announced today he will be moving on to take up a leading role in a UK-based business, details of which are currently confidential.

One of last season's most eye-catching new prospects, winger Joe Ajuwa has signed a development contract with the Scarlets for next season to play and train with the senior squad full-time.

Scarlets flanker Dafydd Jones is determined to repay his region next season.

Glasgow Warriors gave themselves a chance at stealing a home semi-final away from Leinster's grasp, as second half tries from Hefin O'Hare and Bernardo Stortoni helped them edge out the Scarlets on a 37-32 scoreline.

The Warriors have not won outside of Scotland since 4 December, however the Warriors have won their last four fixtures against Scarlets.

The Scarlets moved themselves off the bottom of the Magners League table by putting a weakened Connacht side to a sword in a 58-10 win at Parc y Scarlets.

Connacht beat Scarlets 16-10 at the Sportsground in round seven and are going for a first ever season's double over the West Walians.

The Cardiff Blues ran in five points, including two from Lions centre Jamie Roberts, as they secured their place in next season's Heineken Cup with a 39-16 derby win over Welsh rivals, the Scarlets.

Cardiff Blues have never beaten Scarlets in Llanelli in the Magners League.

Tommy Bowe grabbed two tries, including a late intercept score, as the Ospreys overcame a determined effort from the Scarlets in an closely-contested Welsh derby at the Liberty Stadium.

Ospreys have won their last three matches against Scarlets, whilst the West Walians have won just twice in six previous games on Ospreys soil.

Tries from ever-ready back rower Roddy Grant and winger Tim Visser, the Magners League's leading try scorer this season, helped Edinburgh see off the Scarlets for their fourth successive win at Murrayfield in all competitions.

Edinburgh's only defeat to Scarlets in their last five meetings was 6-13 at Parc y Scarlets on 8 March 2009, whilst Scarlets have never won on Edinburgh soil.