Magners League Official Website : Scarlets snap up Tongan skipper

Scarlets snap up Tongan skipper

11 March 2005, 11:14 am

By Graham Jenkins

The Llanelli Scarlets have signed Tongan Captain, Inoke Afeaki and Wales prop Iestyn Thomas has signed a new deal with the province.

The 31 year old lock Afeaki is set to join the Scarlets this summer on a two year contract from Secom, Japan.

Inoke joins the Scarlets with a wealth of experience, having played four seasons of both NPC and Super 12 rugby with Wellington Lions and Hurricanes before joining Secom in 2002. He was given captaincy for Tonga in 2002 and captained the Tongan team throughout the World Cup in 2003.

Scarlets Chief Executive, Stuart Gallacher said: “We are pleased to announce that we have signed Tongan Captain Inoke Afeaki. Inoke is a mobile, physical forward, a huge presence in the second row with useful ball skills for a man of his size. We look forward to welcoming him to Stradey at the beginning of June for pre-season training”.

Also, Thomas has re-signed with the Scarlets on a three year contract.

The 26 year old joined Llanelli from Ebbw Vale in August 2002, playing 21 games for Llanelli RFC and a further 29 games for the Scarlets regional side.

Gallacher commented, “Iestyn has been at the forefront of the Scarlets pack for a number of seasons and we are pleased that he has decided to stay with us”.

Iestyn added: “I’m delighted to have signed with the Region for a further three seasons. This season hasn’t been the best for me, with injury having kept me out of action for the majority of the season, but I’m looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead”.