Gavin Thomas has been with the Scarlets since 2004

Flanker Gavin Thomas and Kiwi lock Simon Maling are to leave the Scarlets after being injured for more than 26 weeks this season.

The Scarlets say the players' injury durations allow them to sever ties at the end of the season.

Scarlets chief Stuart Gallacher said: "We have taken the difficult decision to part company with both of these players at the end this season."

Thomas joined in 2004 and Maling ahead of this season.

Gallacher added: "The 26-week injury clause is standard within professional rugby contracts.

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"We have informed both players today, we will be in ongoing dialogue with them and will support them where possible in any future moves.

"We are grateful to Simon and Gavin for what they have done for the Scarlets.

"We are having to make some tough commercial decisions at present to ensure that our whole operation remains competitive as a business and has realistic goals going forward.

"The region has plenty of work to do in the forthcoming season and we've already said that we are looking to build a squad for the future which will mean making some changes to ensure we get the balance right and strengthen in key areas."

A Scarlets statement added: "This comes after the region announced the signing of Welsh international prop Rhys Thomas last Thursday.

"The region has also added that it expects to make an official announcement about other significant new signings in the very near future."

Australia flanker Phil Waugh has recently denied he will be moving to the Scarlets and the Welsh region has been linked with former All Blacks flanker Daniel Braid.

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