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South Africa international Uzair Cassiem to join Scarlets

Uzair Cassiem in action for the Springboks Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

South Africa international Uzair Cassiem will play for Scarlets next season, the PRO14 side have announced.

Cassiem, 28, will join the Welsh region from fellow PRO14 side the Cheetahs ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

The No. 8, who has played eight times for the Springboks, told the club's website: "The Scarlets are known throughout the world and are playing some great rugby at the moment.

"When I met with Jon [Daniels, the general manager] and Wayne [Pivac, the head coach] 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."

Pivac added: "Uzair is a current international who possesses the skills that we believe will suit the way we play the game."

Cassiem will not be the only new face at Scarlets next season, with Hurricanes loose forward Blade Thomson and Ospreys centre Kieron Fonotia already confirmed to be heading to the Welsh region.