New Scarlet Clayton aims to be a cut above the rest

GAVIN Henson, he of the gelled hair, silver boots and St Tropez tan, used to play his rugby with a mantra “Look good, feel good”.

And new Scarlets signing Clayton Blommetjies has arrived in West Wales preaching the same gospel.

Blommetjies has linked up with Wayne Pivac’s squad in Llanelli, hoping to become the latest overseas signing to shine at Parc y Scarlets.

Last season, in the Cheetahs debut campaign in the Guinness PRO14, the 27-year-old caught the eye with his pace and sharp counter-attacking ability, not to mention some unconventional hair styles.

“Ha, the haircuts,” he smiled, as he spoke to the media at Parc y Scarlets this week.

“To be honest, this is the part where my wife comes in. She is a lovely person, loves to do new stuff. I love to do something new every year, for me it is fun, it makes me happy, it gives me confidence.

“I don’t know what other players say, but for me, if you don’t look right on the field, you won’t be confident.

“Johnny McNicholl gave me something to think about, he wants to me have some red in the back, that is a nice suggestion, maybe you will see that at start of the new season.”

Blommetjies is yet to play a match for his new side, but he appears to have already won over the Scarlets faithful.

At the end of last season, he featured in the Cheetahs’ 43-8 play-off hammering in Llanelli, scoring a late consolation try for the out-gunned South African side. As he jogged back down the touchline next to the terrace on the North Stand side of the ground, the home support starting chanting his name. He also returned after the final whistle to applaud the fans.

“The atmosphere was spectacular that day and I think at that certain moment the people knew I was coming to join the Scarlets family,” he added.

“Everyone here says the supporters are like family to the players.

“I scored the try, I heard people chanting my name so I was clapping back and I showed them the heart with my hands.

“I am used to a small town, Bloemfontein is not big, I love the small places, I love to be close to the people, chat to people.

“A whole bunch of people have already come up to me asking me how I am settling in, I love to have a conversation with people about the rugby.

“When I first saw the Scarlets on TV, I loved the brand they play so when my agent said the Scarlets were interested in signing me, I said definitely,” he added.