Scarlets have signed one-time Wales squad member WillGriff John from Sale Sharks.
The prop was part of Wales' Six Nations squad last year, but was denied a Test debut after the final match against Scotland was postponed.
John has not been a part of Wayne Pivac's squad since, but a move back to Wales could help his chances of selection.
He has been with the Sharks for the last four seasons, having initially started out with Pontypridd in the Welsh Premiership.
After Pontypridd, John began his professional journey with Cardiff Blues before spells with Doncaster Knights in the English Championship and with New Zealand provincial side Northland. He was also part of Wales U20s’ squad at the 2012 Junior World Championships.
Standing at 6ft 3in and 19st 11lb, the 28-year-old tight-head will add to the front-row pool at the Scarlets when he links up with the squad in the summer.
“WillGriff is a player who has built a strong reputation in the Premiership with the Sharks and it is great that we are able to bring him back to Welsh rugby,” said Scarlets head coach Glenn Delaney.
“He was due to win his first cap for Wales against Scotland last year only for the match to be postponed because of Covid and he is hungry to get back into the international set-up. He is a player who will add a lot to our squad and we look forward to welcoming him to Parc y Scarlets in the summer.”
John said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Scarlets for next season. They are a team that are known for playing an exciting style of rugby based on a strong set-piece and I am looking forward to joining up with the team in the summer.
"I have a young family now so it will be nice to be closer to home after being away from Wales for a number of years. After speaking with Glenn I was really excited about joining the team and hopefully playing my part in future success.
“The Scarlets supporters are known around the world as being some of the most loyal and vocal and the club has a fantastic history. I really hope that, should the pandemic permit, by the time next season starts we are running out at Parc y Scarlets in front of those fans.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time with Sale and am grateful for the time I have spent playing for the Sharks. We have a really strong team now and I am 100 percent committed to finishing the season on the right note.”
