Scarlets set to sign Hurricanes back-rower Thomson

According to reports in the New Zealand media, current Pro 12 champions Scarlets are set to sign Hurricanes back-row Blade Thomson at the end of the 2018 Super Rugby season.

Capped by the New Zealand Maori side on four occasions, the Gisborne native came through the New Zealand U20 development pathway and was a member of the 2010 Baby Blacks' team that won the IRB Junior World Championship in Argentina. 

Rumours of a 'fringe All Black' joining former Auckland coach Wayne Pivac at the Welsh region have been doing the rounds for a number of weeks and 'The Herald' understands that Thomson is the player.

Thomson made a return to the Hurricanes squad over the weekend having missed last season with a shoulder injury, that restricted him to just two appearances.

Thomson is also thought to qualify for Scotland through his grandparents and could link up with former Highlanders flanker John Hardie in the Scottish national set up.

The 27-year-old will join up with an increasing Kiwi presence in Llanelli, former Crusaders utility-back Johnny McNicholl, Hadleigh Parkes and the incoming Osprey Kieron Fonotia.