Dafydd James was capped 48 times by Wales

The Scarlets have terminated the contract of British and Irish Lions wing Dafydd James.

The 33-year-old former Wales star has scored a record 29 Heineken Cup tries but he has been out for most of this season with a neck injury.

"Daf has been a great Scarlet. We wish him the very best for the future," said Scarlets coach Nigel Davies.

"He sets high standards and the fact that he went on to become the Heineken Cup's top try scorer says it all."

Added Davies: "He became a Lion off the back of a wonderful season he had with us, went on to Harlequins and decided to come back here."

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Dafydd James leaving the Scarlets

James follows flanker Gavin Thomas and Kiwi lock Simon Maling out of Parc y Scarlets. The pair were released after being injured for more than 26 weeks this season.

James was a Llanelli player from 1999 to 2001. He played in all three Lions Tests against Australia in 2001, scoring a try in the first which the Lions won 29-13 in Brisbane.

He first played for the Scarlets against Worcester in August 2005 and last appeared in the home Magners League game against Glasgow on 4 April. He played 72 times for the region, scoring 23 tries.

His previous clubs include Pontypridd, Bridgend, Celtic Warriors and Harlequins.

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