Marnus van der Merwe has spoken about his thirst to bring success to the Scarlets following his summer move from South Africa.
After eight years at the Bloemfontein-based Toyota Cheetahs, the man from Nelspruit has arrived in West Wales looking to make his mark.
In an interview with the Rugby Paper, the 27-year-old hooker said: “Over the last couple of years, I really planned to go overseas, so when the Scarlets came and gave me an offer, I couldn’t refuse. It was a good opportunity to be somewhere where I can get some game-time and show what I have against the big teams.
“I have been here just over two months now. The guys are very nice. Everyone is so welcoming. They make it so easy for me. It’s already a home from home for me and my wife.
“Hopefully I can help bring success to the Scarlets. That’s my goal.”
As for what he sees as his strengths, Marnus says: “I think never giving up and definitely ball carries and physicality.
“I see myself getting stuck in, slotting into the big five forward game, while also being like an extra back rower in the loose game, so mixing it up really.
“South Africans are very much one-up running, hard-hitting sort of people, whereas here in Wales they are more skill based. So I think that will grow into my game and improve the way I play.”