Adriaanse to boost Scarlets pack
Scarlets are hopeful that new South African tighthead prop Jacobie Adriaanse will make a big impact for them during the November international window.
The former Lions prop arrived in Wales this week, and will be expected to hit the ground running, with Scarlets' international stars currently away on Test duty.
The 27-year-old prop is highly regarded as a technical scrummager and effective ball carrier with strong defensive skills and has been playing Super Rugby at the Lions for the past two years.
Scarlets coach Simon Easterby said: "It's great to get Jacobie here now to join up with the squad – this is a key time in our season in terms of losing a number of our experienced players to the international squad – so we are sure that he'll have a positive impact for us going forward adding real strength to our pack.
"Securing someone of his ability and track-record is in line with our philosophy to carefully research, manage and target the right players to bring into our set-up. We want to add to and enhance the talent and experience we have here and bring players to the Scarlets shirt that fit with our ambitions over the next two to three years.
"These players need to contribute not only in terms of performance but also to the wider development of our squad – particularly our next generation players in the pack," he said.
Adriaanse commented: "This is a great opportunity for me to experience rugby in Europe and widen my experience in different competitions. I have obviously been watching as much Scarlets rugby as possible from overseas and I am impressed with the physicality and commitment the boys showed in their Heineken Cup games and I hope I can add to that.
"From what I saw they've had some very intense, physical battles already this season and there is no doubting the spirit, pride and determination in this Scarlets team," he added.
