CONFIRMED: Blade Thomson to join Scarlets for the 2018-19 season
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Current Pro 12 champions Scarlets have confirmed the signing of Hurricanes back-row Blade Thomson for the 2018/19 Super Rugby season.
TNEWSDAY ➡️ Delighted to announce that Maori All Black Blade Thomson will join the region for 2018-19 season. His versatility means he plays at 8, 6 & 2nd row. His impressive 198cm (6’ 5”) frame will add another lineout option to Scarlets’ pack. #inthepack pic.twitter.com/GE7BoMfCXP
— Scarlets (@scarlets_rugby) February 27, 2018
Capped by the New Zealand Maori side on four occasions, the Gisborne native came through the New Zealand U20 development pathway and was a member of the 2010 Baby Blacks' team that won the IRB Junior World Championship in Argentina.
Commenting on the news Head Coach Wayne Pivac 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 skillset to play the Scarlets way.”
The 27-year-old will join up with an increasing Kiwi presence in Llanelli, former Crusaders utility-back Johnny McNicholl, Hadleigh Parkes and the incoming Osprey Kieron Fonotia.
