Cummins aims to stamp his mark over Christmas

STEVE Cummins has told Scarlets fans he will be a perfect fit in Llanelli as he prepares to make a big impact over the Christmas period.

The 25-year-old Australian age grade international joined Wayne Pivac’s side from Super Rugby outfit Melbourne Rebels, where he started every game last season.

Cummins made his Scarlets debut off the bench in defeat to Cheetahs and now hopes to impress in front of his new home supporters in the next few weeks.

“The Scarlets’ style of play is quite similar to the way I’m used to playing at the Rebels in Super Rugby,” he told The Rugby Paper.

“The way they play the game was an attraction and I enjoy the way the Scarlets go about things so coming here was definitely something that interested me.

“I also considered how I would fit into the team. I looked at the side and thought it was something I would be able to take on.”

Lock Cummins was supposed to join Scarlets for the start of next season, but his arrival was brought forward following the end of the Super Rugby campaign.

Injuries to Jake Ball and Lewis Rawlins mean Cummins has been pitched straight into action without any respite.

He added: “The move was a bit of a whirlwind and it all happened quite quickly, but I think sometimes it’s better to be thrown in at the deep end.

“Being in South Africa was probably an ideal way to meet the squad, bar the internationals who were not available. On tour you spend close to every minute together so it was a good way to be thrown into the team environment and learn what it’s all about.

“A part of my focus coming over was definitely thinking about adding to the squad and how I could help the Scarlets continue to be successful.

“There’s a great rugby programme here headed up by good knowledgeable coaches and I think they’ve got a good balance whereby the players have a good contribution within the group. From what I’ve heard, it’s worked well over the last few years.”