WALES lock Luke Charteris has signed for Racing Metro on a two-year deal, writes Chris Kirwan.

The former Newport Gwent Dragons skipper, who made 142 appearances over nine seasons before leaving Rodney Parade in 2012, heads to Paris from Perpignan following the Stade Aime Giral side's relegation from the Top 14.

Charteris will add to his 46 caps against South Africa this month before joining fellow Welshmen Dan Lydiate, Mike Phillips and Jamie Roberts in the French capital.

Racing have also snapped up former Cardiff Blues centre Casey Laulala, France full-back Brice Dulin, Cheetahs pair Johan Gossen and Antonie Claassen and exciting Biarritz wing Teddy Thomas.

Meanwhile, the Scarlets have signed former Wales Under-20s number eight Rory Pitman.

The 24-year-old from Bridgend, who came through the Ospreys academy, made five appearances last season for London Wasps.

Scarlets head coach Simon Easterby said: "Rory is a strong ball-carrying number 8 but is still very young for a back-row forward and we believe he brings with him quality attributes that will help strengthen the pack for next season.

"We have a very experienced back row at the Scarlets with players of international quality. They have developed and strengthened well together over the last few seasons and guys like Rob McCusker and Josh Turnbull have worked extremely hard to cover the 8 position, playing out of their natural positions.

"He will join an experienced back row at Parc y Scarlets but will also bring a fresh outlook as we continue to build on the strong performances seen by the pack this season."

Pitman joins captain McCusker, Scotland flanker John Barclay, Wales international Aaron Shingler and sevens ace James Davies in the back row and the Scarlets are closing in on another specialist number eight.