Uzair Cassiem heading to Scarlets

Editor

The Scarlets have announced that Springbok number eight Uzair Cassiem will join the Welsh region ahead of the 2018/19 PRO14 season.

The 28-year-old South African has put pen to paper on a deal with the region and will join the Scarlets from fellow PRO14 side the Cheetahs.

Cassiem, who has featured on eight occasions for the Springboks, started his playing career with the Golden Lions in 2011.

The ball carrying number eight is the third new name added to Scarlets’ squad for the forthcoming season, alongside loose forward Blade Thomson from Super Rugby’s Hurricanes and centre Kieron Fonotia from the Ospreys.

Current internationals Aaron Shingler, Ryan Elias, James Davies, Rhys Patchell, Wyn Jones, Gareth Davies, Jake Ball and Jonathan Davies have put pen to paper on new deals with the Scarlets as well as Dylan Evans, Jonathan Evans and Lewis Rawlins.

Commenting on the news, Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac said: "Uzair is a current international who possesses the skills that we believe will suit the way we play the game. He’s a dynamic player that likes to carry and has the ability to offload, is a very physical individual and has good aerial skills.

"He’s currently playing at the highest level of the game and faced Wales in the recent autumn series at number eight. He has the ability to play across the back row but has been signed primarily as an eight."

Jon Daniels, Scarlets general manager of rugby, said: "Uzair has shown his capabilities in the PRO14, Super Rugby and internationally for the Springboks. When we met him we were struck by his desire to take on a new rugby challenge and to compete for silverware. 

"What he brings on and off the field will be a welcome addition to our squad. We look forward to welcoming him to the Scarlets prior to next season."

Cassiem added: "The Scarlets are known throughout the world and are playing some great rugby at the moment. When I met with Jon and Wayne it was clear to see the ambitions of the club and the environment at the Scarlets is just what I am looking for.

"I’ll be giving my all for the Cheetahs for the rest of the season whilst looking forward to the next chapter of my rugby career in South Wales."