Scarlets coach Pivac would 'investigate' Moriarty signing

Ross Moriarty is the son of former Wales international Paul Moriarty and the nephew of former Wales captain Richard Moriarty

Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac said he would be keen on the chance to sign Wales international flanker Ross Moriarty.

Ahead of his side's Pro12 derby clash with the Blues, Pivac responded to reports linking him with the 22-year-old who is currently at Gloucester.

Moriarty has nine international caps.

Pivac said: "He's a very fine young player. If he wanted to come to the Scarlets I would be very keen to investigate that further."

Scarlets return to Pro 12 action with a trip to the Welsh capital on Friday night to face Cardiff Blues.

After losing to the Blues twice in the league last season, Pivac said his men needed to match the physicality of their opponents.

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"Playing at home will be a strength for the Blues, it's a fast surface," said Pivac.

"They are used to that, they play a game at home that is quite expansive.

"They are also very physical and have good set-piece play. Last year they got the better of us physically. It's a derby so we have to make sure we are up for the challenge."

Pivac expects to be able to give some of his younger players a taste of derby action.

"There's an opportunity with seven internationals going away for other players to get more game-time. We have to factor in the enthusiasm levels that those guys bring," he said.

''If you think about it as a young player, all you hear about growing up is the derby matches, so some guys are going to get an opportunity to play, who ordinarily wouldn't get that opportunity.

"We've got to make it happen on Friday night in what is going to be a very difficult game.

"It's a derby, it's away at the Blues and they got the better of us twice last year, so it's a big game for us. We are looking forward to it."