Blommetjies, who can also play on the wing, is the will join fellow new signings Blade Thomson, Kieron Fonotia and Uzair Cassiem in west Wales. The 27-year-old will add strength in depth to the Scarlets back-division with the Champions Cup semi-finalists providing 12 players to the national side during the recent NatWest Six Nations.
“We’re delighted to be welcoming Clayton to the Scarlets for the forthcoming season,” said Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac.
“He’s a talented player that can play in a number of position across the backline.
“His flexibility will offer us options, particularly during the international windows. Clayton is an exciting runner with a big kick off both feet and also has match-winning ability. With Super Rugby and Guinness PRO14 experience Clayton will be an important addition to us going forward.”
Blommetjies came through the ranks at the Blue Bulls, playing all his junior rugby there, and made his Currie Cup debut at the age of 20. He has made 39 appearances for the Cheetahs in the Super Rugby competition scoring six tries and has represented South Africa at four levels; SA Schools Academy, SA Students, SA Under 20s and SA Sevens.
“This is an exciting new chapter for me and my family and one that I’m really excited for,” said Blommetjies.
“When I met with Wayne and Jon I got a real sense of how professional the club is both on and off the field. They’re doing well in both European and Guinness PRO14 competitions at the moment and it’s an exciting prospect that we could potentially meet in the quarter finals in a few weeks time.”
