By PETER JACKSON
JOHNNY McNicholl is to be offered a new deal designed to ensure he becomes the next Scarlet Kiwi to play for Wales.
Scarlets have opened talks aimed at securing his future until at least 2022 and clearing the way to follow colleague Hadleigh Parkes into Test rugby.
The Scarlets have made their move despite the fact McNicholl is only halfway through a three-year contract which runs out in less than 18 months time. The 27-year-old New Zealander will then have qualified for Wales on residency rules.
McNicholl has made such an impact that he would walk into the W...