EBBW Vale have signalled their intent to retain their Principality Premiership crown by signing Scarlets number eight Rory Pitman, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 26-year-old heads to Eugene Cross Park after playing six games for the Llanelli region in 2015/16, his season disrupted by an arm injury suffered in September.

Known for his strong ball carrying, Pitman came through the Ospreys academy and represented Wales at Under-16, 18 and 20 level.

He had spells with Glasgow, Rotherham and Wasps before returning to Wales with the Scarlets in 2014, going on to make 26 appearances in his first season out west.

Pitman is the second player to sign for Ebbw after being released by the Scarlets with fly-half Josh Lewis, who earned a professional deal out west thanks to his exploits in the SSE Swalec Championship winning side, returning to Eugene Cross Park.

Meanwhile, centre Jordan Howells has committed to a fourth season with Ebbw and will be looking to challenge the established midfield pairing of Adam Jones and Nathan Preece in the coming campaign.