Llanelli Scarlets have signed former New Zealand tight-head prop Kees Meeuws from Castres after missing out on current All Black Greg Somerville.

Meeuws, 33, follows Australia loose-forward David Lyons and fellow Kiwi Simon Maling to the Scarlets after being impressed by a recent visit to Stradey Park.

“The Scarlets have the best Welsh record in Europe and 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,” he said.

“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.

“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.”

Somerville last week turned down the opportunity of a move to Llanelli because he is yet to decide whether to follow the recent trend and leave New Zealand for a lucrative club contract in Europe.

Meeuws made that move in 2004 having won 42 Test caps for New Zealand and playing Super 12 rugby for the Highlanders and the Blues.
“He is a proven leader whose experience will be vital next season,” said the Scarlets’ new head coach Nigel Davies.