Scarlets announce 'world-class' All Black is headed for Welsh rugby in stunning transfer deal

The Scarlets have announced the signing of All Black Vaea Fifita for next season — a transfer which head coach Dwayne Peel has hailed as a major statement of intent.

The 29-year-old lock or back-row forward has been a shining light for Wasps and only this month was feted by the English club’s coach Lee Blackett as performing "brilliantly" for them.

But the Scarlets have now secured his services.

A player blessed with power and pace, he was described by commentators as a "freak of nature" when he arrived on the international scene in 2017.

The 6ft 5in, 17st 7lb player also offers a commanding lineout presence and is a renowned pilferer of opposition ball.

It is potentially a stunning signing for the west Walians, with Peel unable to contain his delight, saying: "We have signed a world-class player in Vaea and this is a real statement of our intent and ambition as a club.

"Vaea is a superb athlete, an X-factor player with the all-round skill-set that fits with how we are looking to play at the Scarlets.

"He also brings a lot of experience at international and Super Rugby level and as well as adding Test-match quality to our pool of second rows, that experience will be invaluable to the young forwards that are coming through at the club.

"Vaea is the kind of player that gets fans out of their seats and it’s hugely exciting that he will be pulling on the Scarlets jersey next season. I am sure Scarlets fans will enjoy watching him and we can’t wait to welcome him to Parc y Scarlets in the summer."

The Scarlets have been light on experienced locks since the departure of Jake Ball last summer and also Tevita Ratuva, so Fifita’s arrival should go a long way to putting that right.

His versatility also means he could figure at