Welsh Rugby
Scarlets bolster ranks with giant lock
ESPNscrum Staff
June 28, 2011
Sione Timani in action for Tonga, Tonga v USA, Churchill Cup, Esher, England, June 8, 2011
Timani will add a significant physical presence to the Scarlets' side for next season © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links
Players/Officials: Nigel Davies | Sione Timani | Sitaleki Timani
Teams: Scarlets | Tonga | Wales
Grounds: Parc Y Scarlets

The Scarlets have signed giant Tongan lock Sione Timani on a two-year contract.

The 6ft 5in and 19st second row, who impressed during Tonga's recent Churchill Cup campaign and scored a try in the 41-14 defeat to the England Saxons, makes the switch to Parc Y Scarlets from the Carmarthen Quins having previously played in New Zealand and Japan.

The 26-year-old, brother of Waratahs lock Sitaleki Timani, is relishing the challenge of Pro12 rugby. "This is a great opportunity for me to play for such a respected and well-known club and I hope to fit in well with the group and the players," Timani said. "The Scarlets are a fresh side full of ambition and quite obviously have a philosophy to give the younger developing players a chance, which appeals a lot to me. They play some great rugby and I'm looking forward to being part of the team."

Scarlets' head coach Nigel Davies is looking forward to welcoming the three-cap Tongan to Llanelli and said Timani will bring a different dimension to their pack. "He's a great acquisition for us in terms of the balance of our pack, he's got a lot to bring, adding a different dimension to our forwards, with plenty of scope to develop more from being within our set-up," Davies said. "We're confident that he will strengthen further as a player once within our system.

"He's also shown he's very committed and loyal player and puts in the graft on the pitch and that he's looking to score tries as well. We are delighted he has joined us and look forward to his contribution to the group next season."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices