Will Boyde is to stay in Welsh rugby by joining Cardiff Blues.
There was a big reaction last month when it was announced the popular back rower was being released by the Scarlets after five years at the region.
Their departing Wales-bound coach Wayne Pivac said he would have definitely re-signed the 24-year-old if it was up to him.
But the Scarlets - who have Brad Mooar taking up the coaching reins this summer - opted not to offer him a new contract.
This led to both dismay and concern that the versatile Boyde could be lost to Welsh rugby.
He was initially linked with the Blues, but things then went quiet on that front.
The focus switched to their battle to retain veteran Kiwi No 8 Nick Williams, with the contracting of overseas players having to be approved by the WRU/PRB.
There had been concern from the governing body that keeping Williams on board at the Arms Park could block the way for a homegrown player.
And there was speculation that could refer to the likes of fellow back rower Boyde.
So when the Blues finally received the go-ahead to re-sign Williams , some might have seen that as ruling out a move for Boyde.
But that hasn’t proved to be the case.
Instead, they have secured his signature.
The former Carmarthen Quins flanker will be a valuable addition to the Blues squad with his ability to cover 6, 7 and 8.
He’s also renowned for his physicality in defence, his carrying, his work over the ball and his tireless endeavour, being described as a wrecking ball in the contact area.
He joins Wales back three duo Josh Adams and Hallam Amos in moving to the Arms Park.
The reaction from Scarlets fans to his departure spoke volumes about how highly rated he was by them.
He received a big ovation when he left the field against the Ospreys on Saturday night following his final appearance for the region.
The day after that Liberty Stadium clash he sent out a heartfelt message on social media.
“The season’s officially over and so is my time at the Scarlets,” he said.
“Unfortunately it ended not on the note we’d wished for last night.
“I’ve had the pleasure of being part of a really special team and coaching staff over the last five years, loving every moment training and playing for the club.
“Since the news broke that I was leaving the region, the amount of positive messages about the situation has been truly overwhelming.
“I never imagined the response from the supporters would be so strong.
“Just a big thank you really to everyone who has been part of the journey to date and I wish the club all the best in the future.
“I’m looking forward to the off season after a very stress-filled one, but more so to the next chapter in my career.”
The Narberth-born Boyde made 85 appearances for the Scarlets in all since his debut in 2014, scoring 10 tries.
He was released by them along with David Bulbring, Declan Smith and the Exeter-bound Tom Price.
Commenting after that announcement, Scarlets general manager of rugby Jon Daniels said: “The demands of professional rugby mean we have had to make some tough decisions.
“Unfortunately we will be saying goodbye to players who have been excellent professionals and valued members of our squad who have played their part in our success over recent seasons.
“In an ideal world, we would have liked to have kept everyone here at Parc y Scarlets, but that has not been possible.
“When running a business there are some difficult decisions you would rather not make.”
