Sione’s in the bag as Scarlets seal deal
THE Scarlets have confirmed the signing of Tongan backrower Sione Kalamafoni from Leicester Tigers.
It’s a move that has been widelytrailed for some time but confirmation has finally arrived and the abrasive forward is in west Wales and available for August’s derby matches.
The 37-cap international (above) has represented his nation at three Rugby World Cups and heads to Parc y Scarlets after spending a successful eight years in the English Premiership.
He spent five years at Gloucester before joining Leicester three years ago. The 32-year-old was a hit at both clubs, scooping end of season awards and impressing with his power on the gainline and workrate.
During his time at Welford Road, he made more carries than any other player in the Premiership and was among the league’s top five tacklers in that period.
“I am very excited by the move to West Wales with my wife Limi and my three children,” he said. “Scarlets are a club that has a great history, not just in Welsh rugby but in global rugby.
“Growing up I was aware the Scarlets were a team full of Welsh stars and I am excited to be joining the current group where there is a real opportunity for the team under Glenn to go that step further.
“I have seen how well the team have played this season under Brad Mooar and hopefully the Scarlets can really kick on, get through this difficult period we are all living in right now and make an impact not only in the PRO14 but also on the European stage.”
New Scarlets head coach Glenn Delaney is familiar with Kalamafoni, with the pair having worked together at Nottingham before his move to the Premiership.
“Sione is a proven performer at Premiership and international level and will bring a huge amount to our group,” said Delaney.
“He will add to the high-quality pool of back-rowers at Parc y Scarlets. I’ve known Sione for a number of years and he will add to our group as much off the field as he will on it.” ■ Scarlets have also confirmed the arrival of former Newcastle back Johnny Williams.
A hard-running centre, Williams won the Junior World Championships with England in 2016 and represented them in an uncapped match against the Barbarians in the summer of 2019, scoring a try.
Despite his brief spell in the England camp, he is Welsh-qualified as his father comes from Rhyl and he remains eligible for Wayne Pivac’s side because he did not receive an official cap.