James aims to carry on playing

Dafydd James won 48 Wales caps during his international career

Ex-Lions and Wales back Dafydd James hopes to carry on playing for the next two or three seasons following his acrimonious exit from the Scarlets.

James, 33, is involved in a legal dispute with the Welsh region over the manner of his departure.

He played for Bridgend at the season's end and said: "All I want to do is play rugby. I'm, 100% fit - as I have been since the beginning of March.

"I'm looking just to get my boots back on again and play rugby."

James added: "With regards to the Scarlets, I'm disappointed with the way things have gone. When I signed for them a few years ago I wanted to finish my career there.

"Unfortunately that's not going to happen and I still believe I've got another two, maybe three years left in me of top quality rugby and the Scarlets have terminated my contract."

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

The Scarlets are also expected to cancel the contract of Kiwi open-side Daniel Braid after he ruptured his Achilles tendon last weekend, having only just announced his signing for next season from Queensland Reds.