DON’T LET HIM GO
Pivac urges Scarlets to keep hold of Kiwi ace
WAYNE Pivac has urged the Scarlets hierarchy to do all they possibly can to keep New Zealander Johnny McNicholl at the region.
The 28-year-old wing or full-back, who signed for the Llanelli-based team from New Zealand Super Rugby outfit the Crusaders in 2016, is out of contract at the end of this season.
He has been in discussions with the region over a potential new deal.
But head coach Pivac earlier this month revealed those talks have been put on hold as Welsh rugby’s new pay banding system is sorted out.
McNicholl qualifies for Wales at the end of the year by virtue of the three-year residency ruling being in place when he joined.
But, with the player also receiving an offer to go and play in Japan, Pivac could lose him as an option when he takes over as Wales coach from Warren Gatland following the Rugby World Cup this autumn.
And after an eye-catching two-try performance in their 46-33 European Champions Cup defeat at Racing 92 on the weekend, Pivac wants the Scarlets to stump up the cash to keep McNicholl in West Wales.
“Johnny McNicholl was outstanding and caused havoc whenever he had the ball,” Pivac told the Rugby Paper.
“Hopefully our chairman is in the changing room with a large cheque because we really need to keep him at this region.”