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The Scarlets hope to recruit second-row replacements after Damian Welch became the third lock to leave ahead of next season.

Welch, 29, has joined Exeter on a two-year deal.

They have also lost Lou Reed and Dominic Day, the latter joining to Bath, leaving Sione Timani, Josh Turnbull and Aaron Shingler as options.

Boss Nigel Davies says the Scarlets have placed "particular emphasis" on "strengthening our second row options".

Reading-born Welch is among 10 Scarlets confirmed as leaving ahead of the 2012-13 season, while Shingler and Turnbull have been capped in the back-row by Wales.

Reed joined Shingler in making his Wales debut during the 2012 Grand Slam campaign, but his next employers have yet to be announced.

Davies said: "As we've stated previously, we are in the process of constructing our squad for next season with particular emphasis on investment in our front five and strengthening our second-row options to further our ambitions on the field in the 2012-13 season.

"We acknowledged this season that the recruitment target for us is in the second row and we're clear we need to strengthen this area of our game in order to move forward next season and we're looking to bring some quality in to work alongside a talented and strong Scarlets' back row.

"That recruitment is well under way - it's important that we take the time to get it right and that we are analytical in our approach, not just reactive.

"We will construct our squad for next season based on getting the right players for our particular environment and team make-up and what best fits and suits our future ambitions."