The Scarlets have bolstered their squad for next season by signing New Zealander Sam Lousi.
The 27-year-old has been a regular for Beauden Barrett’s Super Rugby big hitters Hurricanes side since making his debut in 2017.
He can play lock or back-row and was in the starting line-up that faced Warren Gatland’s Lions the same year.
Auckland-born Lousi had previously played for Australian Super Rugby team New South Wales Waratahs and rugby league for New Zealand Warriors.
Wales-bound Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac stressed the signing was the work of Brad Mooar, who succeeds him next season at the west Wales region.
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But he said: “I tried to sign Sam last year but he was still under contract.
“He’s a fine player and I think he will do well. Brad knows him well from coaching against him.
“He will suit the way the Scarlets want to play the game – a big man in the middle of the park that can off-load.
“He’s got a rugby league background. We have seen forwards like Sonny Bill Williams come out of rugby league and have the ability to offload in traffic, which is a big plus against the defences we face these days.
“You can never be too physical so the more big men you have got who are mobile and have got great body positions the better.”
Lousi is the younger brother of Tonga rugby league international Sione Lousi.
“I am very excited to join the Scarlets for next season. It’s a team that plays an exciting brand of rugby and I am looking forward to linking up with a group of players that are ambitious to be winning trophies,” said Sam Lousi.
“Hopefully, I can help them push forward and achieve further success over the next few years.”
The Scarlets had previously announced that Wales Grand Slam heroes Jonathan Davies, Ken Owens and Rob Evans have signed new contracts, along with full-back or wing Johnny McNicholl.
