Scarlets sign ex-All Black

The 32-year-old lock is currently plying his trade in Japan with Suntory. Previously he had spent his entire career in New Zealand where he starred for Otago in the NPC and the Highlanders in the Super 12 and Super 14 tournament.

Between 2002 and 2004 he played 13 games for the All Blacks, including 11 Tests.

At 1.97m tall and tipping the scales at 110kg, Maling has forged a reputation as being a canny lineout operator with an excellent workrate. During his domestic New Zealand career he regularly topped the Super 14 statistics.

He left New Zealand in 2004 and played for NEC Harlequins before heading to Japan.

"Simon is just the type of player we are looking for to bolster our pack," said a delighted Scarlets Chief Executive Stuart Gallacher. "Simon is an excellent lineout specialist and brings a wealth of experience with him into the squad."

"I am really looking forward to joining the Llanelli Scarlets, it is great to be joining a traditionally strong region which has such a proud history," said Maling.

"As a New Zealander I am looking forward to being back in a country where rugby is the number one sport. I had grown up hearing stories about Llanelli at Stradey Park so it will be great to be part of that. I hope that I can play a part in the Scarlets success in the Magners League and getting back to the top in the Heineken Cup and I am looking forward to arriving in July."