Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac insists Blade Thomson will sharpen up his pack next season, despite the forward’s history of injury problems.
The Guinness Pro 14 champions have signed the Hurricanes back row forward on a two-year deal to cover the forthcoming losses of John Barclay and Tadgh Beirne.
Thomson was on the fringes of the All Blacks squad two years ago, but two serious shoulder injuries halted his progress and he has only made 40 Super Rugby appearances since 2013.
But Pivac has praised Thomson’s athleticism and said: “Blade’s Super Rugby experience will a welcome addition to the pack and the squad as a whole. He is a very athletic, no-nonsense player with a big engine who will be an effective ball carrier both in the wide channels as well as in the middle of the park.
“Blade is highly regarded in New Zealand. Whilst an untimely injury impacted on his rugby in the last six months but he’s certainly a physical player who possess the skill set to play the Scarlets way.”
Thomson will become the fourth New Zealander in the Scarlets squad next season, alongside Hadleigh Parkes, Johnny McNicholl and Kieron Fonotia, who is leaving the Ospreys at the end of this season.
But the 6ft 5inch forward, who can also play second row, will remain with the Hurricanes in Wellington until August when the Super Rugby campaign comes to an end.
Thomson was on the replacements bench as the Hurricanes began their season with a 21-19 defeat to the Bulls in Pretoria last weekend.
Thomson said: “I’m really looking forward to heading north to join the Scarlets for the 2018-19 season.
“They play an exciting brand of rugby, finished last season as champions and are continuing to push for silverware in both competitions.
“I’m excited to join such a world-renowned club but my focus is fully on finishing the current season on a high with the Hurricanes and hopefully lifting some silverware.”
