Stradey Park has hosted some famous rugby matches in its time

But the former Llanelli captain admits leaving behind more than a century of rugby history will be a wrench.

"Moving from Stradey Park will be emotional for everyone who has been involved past and present," Evans said.

"But excellence has to be achieved both on and off the field and a purpose built new facility will provide that."

The Scarlets - first as a club and now as a regional side - have played at Stradey Park since 1879 and famously beat a touring New Zealand side there in 1972.

Day the pubs ran dry

But the new �45m, 15,000-seater development will provide the Scarlets and their fans with much-needed modern facilities.

"Stradey Park has been a fantastic stadium over the years and witnessed some unforgettable rugby games," Evans, who won 72 Wales caps and scored 33 tries in the process, added.

"I have very warm memories of my time with the club and I will be sad to see the final game on that famous pitch.

"But the Scarlets need to be ambitious to succeed, that is the reality.

"It seems to me that the time has come now to move on and focus on a positive new era for the Scarlets as a leading rugby region in Wales.

"The new stadium will provide the players and coaching staff with the training and fitness facilities they need.

"The community will benefit from new athletics tracks and a fitness centre and the supporters will have a new stadium they can enjoy and be proud of."

Work on the new stadium is expected to start later this summer.