Scarlets announce signing of Wales and England international

Scarlets have announced the signing of Wales prop Henry Thomas.

The 32-year-old has swapped Castres for Parc y Scarlets and will join the west Walians ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

The experienced Thomas, who has been named in Warren Gatland's Wales squad for the upcoming Test matches against South Africa and Australia, played seven matches for England earlier in his career but switched allegiances to Wales, featuring at the last Rugby World Cup.

Thomas joins fellow new signings Marnus van der Merwe (Toyota Cheetahs), prop Alec Hepburm (Exeter Chiefs), second row Max Douglas (Yokohama Canon Eagles) and full-back Ellis Mee (Nottingham) in heading west for next term to boost head coach Dwayne Peel's squad options.

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Thomas said: “I spoke to Peely a few months ago and the way he spoke about his vision for the club and I know the style of rugby they play which made it an easy decision for me.

“There is so much quality in this Scarlets squad, I’m looking forward to seeing what I can add and hopefully help to compete at the top of the URC and in Europe.

“My memories of playing against Scarlets in Europe when I was at Bath were always tough ones. They had a strong pack and played quick exciting rugby, I’m excited to be a part of that.”

Peel added: “Henry will bring vast experience from the top level in England and more recently in France, where he has played a lot of games in the Top 14 for Castres and Montpellier this season.

“He is a powerful scrummager who is also a strong carrier and will add further depth to our front-row resources.

“Bringing in an international forward can only help the young group we have at the Scarlets. We have two young tight-heads in Harri O’Connor and Sam Wainwright and an exciting group of young front-rowers coming through our academy.

“We look forward to welcoming Henry to Llanelli for pre-season.”