Lousi, 27, started his career in rugby league with Auckland-based NRL outfit the New Zealand Warriors before switching codes to join the Sydney based Waratahs in Super Rugby. He joined the Hurricanes in 2017 while he has also represented Wellington Lions in the Mitre 10 Cup.
“He’s a fine player and I think he will do well,” said Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac.
“Brad (Mooar) knows him well from coaching against him.
“He will suit the way the Scarlets want to play the game – a big man in the middle of the park that can off-load. He’s got a rugby league background.
“We have seen forwards like Sonny Bill Williams come out of rugby league and have the ability to offload in traffic, which is a big plus against the defences we face these days. You can never be too physical so the more big men you have got who are mobile and have got great body positions the better.”
The six foot, six inches lock, who weighs in at 122kg, is an athletic line-out forward known for his abrasive work at the contact area. Lousi was born in Auckland and is yet to play international rugby, but he also qualifies for Tonga through his family heritage.
He is the younger brother of Sione Lousi who plays international rugby league for the Pacific Island side.
“I am very excited to join the Scarlets for next season. It’s a team that plays an exciting brand of rugby and I am looking forward to linking up with a group of players that are ambitious to be winning trophies,” said Sam Lousi.
“Hopefully, I can help them push forward and achieve further success over the next few years.”
The Scarlets had previously announced that Wales Grand Slam heroes Jonathan Davies, Ken Owens and Rob Evans have signed new contracts, along with full-back or wing Johnny McNicholl.
