South African Adriaanse has joined up with the region ahead of the start of the LV= Cup campaign next weekend after completing his Currie Cup commitments with the MTN Lions.
The 27-year-old arrives with a heavy reputation as a strong scrummager and big ball carrier but Easterby is also convinced that he will play a key role in helping the next generation of Scarlets front rowers fulfill their full potential.
The likes of 19-year-old Samson Lee and 21-year-old Rhodri Jones have shown their huge talents already and Easterby is convinced Adriaanse’s experience will further aid their development.
“Securing someone of Jacobie’s ability and track-record is in line with our philosophy to carefully research, manage and target the right players to bring into our set-up,” said Easterby.
“It’s great to get him here now to join up with the squad. This is a key time in our season in terms of losing a number of our experienced players to the international squad, so we are sure that he’ll have a positive impact for us going forward adding real strength to our pack.
“We want to add to and enhance the talent and experience we have here and bring players to the Scarlets shirt that fit with our ambitions over the next two to three years.
“These players need to contribute not only in terms of performance but also to the wider development of our squad, particularly our next generation of players in the pack.”
As for the man himself, Adriaanse has been impressed with what he’s seen of the Scarlets from back in his homeland.
Easterby’s troops may have lost both their European encounters with Clermont Auvergne and Leinster last month but the former Boland Cavaliers, Cheetahs, Golden Lions and Griquas star liked what he saw on TV in terms of the work rate and physicality of his new team-mates.
“I have obviously been watching as much Scarlets rugby as possible from overseas and I am impressed with the physicality and commitment the boys showed in their Heineken games and I hope I can add to that,” said Adriaanse, who intends to throw himself into the Welsh way of life both on and off the field.
“From what I saw, they’ve had some very intense, physical battles already this season and there is no doubting the spirit, pride and determination in this Scarlets team.
“This is a great opportunity for me to experience rugby in Europe and widen my experience in different competitions. We have had such a warm welcome already and I can see it will be easy for me and my wife to adapt to our life here and we are really excited to experience all that it has to offer.
“It appeals to me to experience a new way of life as well. I’m looking forward to experiencing a different culture and community and my wife and I want to get as involved as much as we can with the club, its supporters and life in West Wales.”
