Earle soon to be Welsh-qualified

 

An experienced player, Earle played previously with the Golden Lions, Western Province, Boland and the Griquas in the Currie Cup.

 

The lock will become Welsh-qualified in June after being with the Scarlets for three years.

 

Earle was attracted to playing rugby in Wales because of the Welsh style of play, making his Scarlets debut in a pre-season friendly against Narbonne in August 2012.

 

He enjoyed a successful first season at Parc y Scarlets and was awarded with the Players' Player of the Season accolade.

 

Settled into life in Wales, Earle is delighted to have put pen to paper on a new contract.

 

"It was important for me to get it done and dusted," he said.

 

"A player needs security in order to play well. 

 

"This is the club I want to play for.

 

"I've been around a couple of teams but this is where I feel I belong.

 

"It was the easiest decision of my life to extend my contract here. 

 

"We may have taken a step back this season, but I feel, over the last two or three seasons, we've really improved as a squad.

 

"I feel the breakthrough is really near and I want to be a part of that. 

 

"I think the belief is growing and I really want to be part of something great in this region and in this club.”

 

As well as being a senior player within the Scarlets squad, Earle is a part of the coaching team with Scarlets Under-18s.

 

"I get involved with Scarlets – I'm not just a player," he continued.

 

"I coach the youth structure, I get involved with the Academy.

 

"I really bought into the culture and the way things are done here.

 

"It's very near to my heart, it explains what I want to do one day.

 

"One day, when I leave, hopefully I will always be remembered and will be proud to say that the club I played for was Scarlets.”

 

Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac said: "George becomes Welsh-qualified in June having done three years here in West Wales.

 

"He is now a big part of the club. 

 

"He's fitted in well and brings some seniority and maturity to the group.

 

"With such a young average age in the squad it is important to get that blend of experience and youth.

 

"Having strong characters and leaders like George in the mix is important to achieve that balance.”