LLANELLI, Wales – Welsh Pro14 club Scarlets on Tuesday announced the signing of Cheetahs utility back Clayton Blommetjies.
The 27-year-old Blommetjies will follow fellow Cheetahs player Uzair Cassiem to Scarlets.
Blommetjies came through the ranks at the Bulls, playing all his junior rugby there, and later at the age of 20, made his senior debut in the Currie Cup.
He has become an integral part of the Cheetahs side with many of their successes attributed to his play.
He has made 39 appearances for the Cheetahs in Super Rugby, scoring six tries and has represented South Africa at four levels; SA Schools Academy, SA Students, SA Under-20s and SA Sevens.
Paarl-born Blommetjies has made an impact in his debut Pro14 season; scoring four tries, making five try assists and features in the top five for metres gained.
Current internationals Aaron Shingler, Ryan Elias, James Davies, Rhys Patchell, Wyn Jones, Gareth Davies, Jake Ball, Jonathan Davies and Hadleigh Parkes have put pen to paper on new deals with the Scarlets as well as Dylan Evans, Jonathan Evans, Lewis Rawlins, Phil Price and newcomers Blade Thomson, Uzair Cassiem and Kieron Fonotia.
Commenting on the news coach Wayne Pivac said: "We’re delighted to be welcoming Clayton to the Scarlets for the forthcoming season.
"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 a match-winning ability."
"With Super Rugby and Guinness Pro14 experience Clayton will be an important addition to us going forward."
Blommetjies added: "This is an exciting new chapter for me and my family and one that I’m really excited for. When I met with Wayne I got a real sense of how professional the club is both on and off the field."