Former All Blacks star prop Meeuws arrived in Wales this week after signing a big-money, two-year deal.
The 33-year-old giant has swapped the stylish south of France for scenic South Wales with a big reputation and the 42-cap veteran is ready to prove he is still hungry for the big time by helping the Scarlets reign supreme again.
Meeuws said: “Make no mistake, I have come here to win things. I’ve won several honours with the All Blacks and at domestic level, but the Heineken Cup is something that is missing on my CV.
“The competition is a big attraction for players and I’m well aware of what happened at the Scarlets last year – we have to improve. But one of the biggest reasons for coming to Wales was the history and tradition of the Scarlets, it is renown worldwide.
“Back home in New Zealand, everyone knows about the region and people have told me about their famous win over the All Blacks at Stradey Park in 1973. Now I want to add to that history and tradition by bringing back silverware to the club.”
Meeuws quit the All Blacks in 2004 for pastures new in France. He then spent four lean years with two spells at Castres Olympique sandwiched in between a brief stint at Agen.
But now he joins Nigel Davies’s revolution in Llanelli with a proven track record of success. Meeuws has won the Tri Nations three times with New Zealand, Super 12 with the Blues and three NPC titles with Auckland and Otago.
And like fellow Kiwi veteran Justin Marshall at the Ospreys, he is determined to finish his career by adding new silverware to the Scarlets trophy cabinet. He added: “I’m a winner and want to win. I’ve won lots of trophies, as well as playing on the biggest stage in the French Championship and at two World Cups.
“I may be 33 but I’m not finished. I’m still really hungry and believe I have a lot to offer. I believe we’ve got a really competitive team and I was impressed by the ambitions and vision of the Scarlets management when we met – the attention to detail of the coaches was a key factor.
“The Scarlets have the best Welsh record in Europe and the new stadium is fantastic. I know I’ve made the right choice.”
