SCARLETS SIGN SPRINGBOK HOTTIE

The arrival of the 29-year-old lock will be a major boost to the Scarlets as they prepare for the new season which includes a difficult Heineken Cup draw.

The transfer of Louw from French side Clermont Auvergne looked to be in jeopardy under new regulations brought in on February 8. But the Scarlets successfully appealed to the Home Office as Louw was signed before the regulations came into force.

Scarlets Chief Executive Stuart Gallacher was pleased to have wrapped the drawn out deal up. He said: “We’re delighted and looking forward to Hottie joining us in a few weeks.”

The Scarlets will face Heineken Cup holders Toulouse, former champions Wasps and Scottish outfit Edinburgh following last week’s draw for the pool stages of next season’s competition