Scarlets sign Meeuws

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 them," 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."