Fonotia to make move across Loughor

Nov 30 • General News, Guinness Pro14 • 1705 Views • Comments Off on Fonotia to make move across Loughor

Scarlets can today confirm that Ospreys centre Kieron Fonotia will join the Scarlets ahead of the 2018-19 season.

New Zealand born Fonotia joined the Ospreys from Crusaders Rugby in the autumn of 2016 following a successful season with the Super Rugby side.

Fonotia was a regular feature in a star-studded Crusaders backline, which included Scarlets fullback Johnny Mcnicholl, since making his Super Rugby debut at the start of the 2014 season, scoring a try with his first touch as a 70th minute replacement in a 14-13 win over Stormers. At the end of that season he started the Super Rugby Final on the wing as Crusaders were defeated 33-32 by the Waratahs.

Since arriving in Wales the 28-year-old has made 29 appearances for the Welsh region scoring six tries. He scored his first try for the region against Grenoble Rugby in last season’s Challenge Cup.

Fonotia made his international debut, for Samoa, against his native New Zealand during the summer of 2017 before facing Wales at Apia Park a week later.

Commenting on the signing of Fonotia, who can play in the midfield and on the wing, head coach Wayne Pivac said; “We are delighted to be in a position to confirm that Kieron Fonotia will be joining us at Parc y Scarlets next season.

“He’ll bring a physical edge along with attacking flair and ability to the squad and the style of play he’s used to playing back in New Zealand with the Crusaders will set him in good stead and should make for an easy transition the the Scarlets style of play.”

Kieron Fonotia said; “I’m very excited to be joining the Scarlets next season and playing again with a few familiar faces. They’ve had a very successful couple of years playing some good rugby and hopefully I can help develop that further.

“However, my priority now and for the remainder of the season, is to help improve the league position at the Ospreys and make sure the Ospreys climb up the conference and finish the season successfully.”