Wayne Pivac has been on the lookout for a new scrum half since Aled Davies announced he would be joining the Ospreys. And the New Zealander has opted to bring in the nine times capped Scotland international along with former Wales under 20s scrum half Kieran Hardy from Jersey.
“When Aled Davies announced he was leaving we had to find a top-class replacement,” said Pivac.
“We’ve been in the market for some time looking and it was about looking for the right player that we thought would fit our environment and our style of play. I think Sam fits the bill.
“From our point of view we always look at what motivates a player and we want to make sure that players are coming for all the right reasons. I think it will be a very good move for him and he’ll compliment our squad very well.
“I remember a few years back he played very well when Edinburgh beat us at Parc Y Scarlets. I kept an eye on him ever since because he’s one of those players that whenever he’s played against us he’s played well every time.
“That sort of thing stays in your mind. Once it came across the desk that he was looking for a potential move we spoke to him.”
The Scarlets are also confident 22-year-old scrum half Hardy will flourish on his return to Llanelli.
Hardy left the Scarlets two years ago to learn his trade with Jersey in the English Championship.
“As a product of the region’s age grade and Academy pathway we’re particularly pleased to welcome Kieran back to West Wales and the Scarlets after a few seasons away in the Championship,” said Scarlets General Manager Jon Daniels.
“During that time he has made excellent progress putting in a number of man of the match appearances at that level. He has matured and developed into the exciting young talent we hoped he would.”
