The Scarlets have confirmed the signing of Crusaders wing Johnny McNicholl for next season.
McNicholl, who can also operate at full-back, has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal to move to Parc Y Scarlets.
But the New Zealander is unlikely to move to Llanelli until November at the earliest, following the end of Canterbury’s domestic ITM Cup campaign.
Director of rugby at the region, Wayne Pivac, revealed on Tuesday that they had been in talks with the 25-year-old.
“This is a great opportunity to experience living and playing in a different part of the world,” McNicholl said.
“I am at a stage in my life that I would like to do some more travel while I don’t have family commitments back in New Zealand, and I am so fortunate to be able to do that with my rugby career.
“The Scarlets club appeals because they are a successful team that plays a similar brand of rugby to the Crusaders, and working under a Kiwi coach in Wayne Pivac will make that transition easier.
“Leaving the Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby will be extremely hard though because they are both teams that I love and feel incredibly privileged to have played for.
“I grew up in Christchurch and these were the teams that I always aspired to be a part of, so I am very grateful to have had that opportunity.
“I will definitely miss my teammates and the whole team culture here, but I’ll be the biggest Crusaders and Canterbury supporter living in Wales.”
Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder admits that McNicholl is at the top of his game and is highly rated, not only amongst the coaching staff but also his peers.
“Johnny is a rare talent,” Blackadder said.
“His speed and ability to break through tackles has never been on better display than in the last couple of games, and we are loving seeing Johnny back to his best after a frustrating run with injuries over recent years.
“He is a superb team man who is much respected by all of those who have had the pleasure of working and playing with him.
“We will miss him but look forward to a fantastic final season with him.”
McNicholl’s capture follows some busy recruitment work by the Scarlets. Wales and British Lions centre Jonathan Davies is returning to his home region from Clermont, while fly-half Rhys Patchell, scrum-half Jonathan Evans, and Springbok prop Werner Kruger are also coming on board.
