Meeuws heads for Llanelli

Kees Meeuws: Solving the Scarlets' tighthead problems

The Scarlets didn't quite get their man in Greg Somerville, but have a reasonable back-up for their disappointment in All Black prop Kees Meeuws.

Meeuws, 33, has been plying his tighthead trade in Castres for the past three years, and opted to make the move to the Scarlets after a discreet visit to the new stadium and facilities last week. He has signed a two-year contract.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and quickly realised what a wonderful area Llanelli is and I am sure my family and I will enjoy our time here," said Meeuws to the Western Mail.

"I was impressed by the ambitions of the Scarlets when we met. They have the best Welsh record in Europe. Having seen the new stadium and all its fantastic on-site training facilities, I have no doubt that I have made the right decision in joining the Scarlets.

"I feel I have a lot to offer and look forward immensely to the challenge of helping the Scarlets gain further success in the Heineken Cup and the Magners League."

Meeuws is the third big signing in the past couple of weeks, following on from former All Black lock Simon Maling and former Wallaby number eight David Lyons.

New Head Coach Nigel Davies was delighted to have captured Meeuws though, with a long-standing problem at tighthead now looking solved.

"Kees's record and pedigree as an All Black, coupled with his desire for further success, makes him a great signing for the Scarlets. He is a proven leader whose experience will be vital next season," said Davies.