Pro12: Flanker John Barclay commits future to Scarlets

John Barclay joined Scarlets from Glasgow, who he had joined aged 17 in 2004

Flanker John Barclay has signed a contract extension that will keep him at Scarlets until the end of the 2016-17 season.

The 29-year-old Scotland international joined the Welsh region ahead of the 2013-14 campaign.

He did not make Scotland's 2015 World Cup squad, but Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac is happy to have Barclay's versatility.

"John plays equally as well at seven, six or eight," said Pivac.

"Despite playing half the season in the number eight position he was still named in the top three players for turnovers in the Pro12 last season.

"He's a leader on the field and a leader in our group."

Barclay returned to the Scotland squad in the summer after an 18-month absence, featuring in two World Cup warm-up matches, but did not make head coach Vern Cotter's final cut.

"I'm delighted to have extended my contract with the Scarlets," said the former Glasgow Warrior.

"It's a great place for myself to continue developing as a player.

"We are fortunate to have a group of talented young players here; the truth is I'm learning a lot off the new guys and it's really fun to play with them."

Scarlets host Leinster in the Pro12 on Friday, 16 October.