The 28-year-old from White Rock British Colombia will be no stranger to Welsh rugby followers having spent the two previous season’s with Bridgend.
He was in the opposing front row to Scarlets’ international mainstay Robin McBryde in Wales’ 41-10 victory in this year’s Rugby World Cup.
Describing his career highlight as scoring the vital try in Canada’s 26-23 win over Scotland in 2002, the 26-times-capped Thiel will bring considerable experience to the Scarlets pack.
Thiel is expected to link well with the former Wales strong-man in a forward pack that must fire if the Scarlets are to progress from Pool 4, a Pool that includes French favourites Agen, Scottish side The Borders, and 2000 European Champions Northampton Saints.
Scarlets chief executive Stuart Gallacher, said: “We have been looking for a new tight head since Martins departure and are delighted to have found someone of Jon’s stature. He is a very experienced campaigner, an international standard prop who is also familiar with the Welsh game.”
Thiel has signed a one-season deal.
