Thomson tipped to be big hit at Scarlets

KIERON Fonotia has no doubts Blade Thomson will take European rugby by storm when he joins him at the Scarlets.

The men from Llanelli beat competition from Glasgow and a host of French clubs for the Scottish-qualified Hurricanes back row star.

Former Crusaders and Ospreys centre Fonotia believes his fellow new arrival at Scarlets will be a roaring success.

“I’ve played against Blade on a number of occasions back in Super Rugby,” said the 30-year-old.

“When I heard he’d signed I wondered if the people in Wales would realise the actual quality of the player. He’s pretty sharp and was always one of the key guys to take out when the Crusaders played against the Hurricanes.”

Fonotia has swapped the Ospreys for Welsh rivals Scarlets this season and can’t wait to play alongside the 27-year old former Junior All Black.

Fonotia said: “Blade is a really good offloader and he’ll fit in well with the style of rugby here. He was very close to making the All Blacks but he got a bad injury which set him back.

“He’s an awesome player who is versatile and comfortable in open space.”

Fonotia failed to live up to his Super Rugby heights with the Crusaders in his time at the Ospreys. He’s hoping for a fresh start in Llanelli.

“I think we can 100 per cent win silverware this season,” Fonotia said.

“Last year I was watching the brand of rugby the Scarlets were playing and was thinking it would be awesome to be a part of.

“I’m looking forward to going there. At the Ospreys I didn’t adapt to the style they played until the end when Allen Clarke took over and gave me a licence to be me.”