Nigel Davies to succeed namesake Phil at Llanelli

Nigel Davies, acting Wales coach for one match last autumn before Warren Gatland's arrival, is in line to take over at Llanelli following Phil Davies's sacking by the Scarlets yesterday.

Former international lock Phil Davies, 44, interviewed for the Wales job before returning to Stradey Park from Leeds, had two years left on his contract but has paid the inevitable price for too many bad results.

Paul Moriarty, Davies's assistant, will be in charge for the rest of the season, working alongside former club captain Wayne Proctor and Lions scrum half Robert Jones.

Gloucester, close to signing Wales centre Matthew Watkins from Llanelli, have extended England full back Iain Balshaw's contract until 2010.

Bristol, forced to find an alternative venue pending the Memorial Ground's reconstruction, are expected to confirm within the next 24 hours that they will play next season at Newport's Rodney Parade.