Former Wales backrow forward Paul Moriarty has been appointed as Swansea's new defensive coach.

He takes over from former Wales rugby league coach Clive Griffiths, who is expected to join Graham Henry's set-up with the national side.

Moriarty, 36, spent seven season in rugby league himself and played for both Wales and Great Britain.

He returned to Swansea in 1996.

"We wanted to act quickly with Clive's imminent departure," said team manager Richard Moriarty.

"He (Clive) did a fantastic job for us last season and we believe Paul will carry on the good work.

"Paul also has a rugby league background and, as we discovered with Clive last season, that experience can be vital. "

Moriarty will combine his coaching duties with another season of playing having recently signed a one-year extension to his contract.

There is less good news for Llanelli, who expect to lose Lions No 8 Scott Quinnell for the first month of the domestic season.

Quinnell is scheduled to undergo surgery on a knee problem next Thursday when he returns from Australia.

There is a similar situation with the Scarlets' other Lions tourist, Robin McBryde.

The hooker may also need an operation on the thigh injury that forced him out of the tour. He is still suffering from swelling and will have a scan shortly.

But there's better news for the Scarlets of wing Mark Jones, who picked up a leg injury on the Welsh tour of Japan. He'll be back in training early next month.