Scarlets snatch South African lock
Bernardo is an exciting new addition to the Scarlets squad for the forthcoming season, bringing with him a wealth of Pro12 and European Champions Cup experience.
Before arriving in Wales in 2014, he came through the ranks at the Eastern Province Kings appearing in both the Vodacom and Currie Cup. Considered one of South Africa's brightest young talents before leaving to ply his trade in Wales at the age of 21, Bernardo made 10 Super Rugby appearances for the Southern Kings.
The Pretoria-born lock joins the Scarlets as the only Welsh region to qualify for the European Champions Cup and will become Welsh-qualified at the end of the forthcoming season. He is a physically imposing acquisition for the Scarlets, bolstering the region's options at second row.
"We're delighted to be welcoming Rynier to the Scarlets for the forthcoming season. He is a young man but comes with a wealth of experience from Pro12 and European competitions here in Wales as well as Super Rugby back at home in South Africa.
"He will offer a physical edge and options in the second row next season. Having made an immediate impression on his arrival at the Ospreys, he then suffered a serious knee injury which meant he missed out on much of the 2014/15 season.
"Rynier came back strongly in the second half of the 2015-16 season but he knows he will face stiff competition for his place here. Like all players it is now down to him to fight for the jersey and earn the right to play in the big games," Scarlets' Jon Daniels said.
Speaking about his move across the Loughor Bridge Bernardo expressed his excitement about his new challenge.
"I'd like to thank everyone at the Ospreys for giving me the opportunity over the last couple of years but I am now excited by the new challenge that lies ahead.
"I'm really looking forward to continuing my development over the next few years with the Scarlets. I have met with Wayne and Jon a couple of times and have been impressed with the culture and ambition at the Scarlets.
"I hope to make an impression and help the region fight for silverware and to be competitive as the only Welsh region in Europe," Bernardo said.
Bernardo is one of a number of new faces expected at the Scarlets ahead of the new season. Joining the region alongside Bernardo will be Jonathan Davies, Rhys Patchell, Werner Kruger, Jonathan Evans, Dafydd Hughes and Shaun Evans as well as Johnny McNicholl.
The following have also signed contract extensions ahead of the new campaign: Aled Davies, Gareth Davies, James Davies, Emyr Phillips, Aaron Shingler, Scott Williams, John Barclay, Wyn Jones, Peter Edwards, Dylan Evans, Gareth Owen and Tom Williams.
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