Tongan international leaves Scarlets for Top 14 side Montauban

Having joined the Parc y Scarlets side back in 2022 from Wasps, the 33-year-old has played 56 times and crossed the whitewash on 10 occasions.

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He joins up with recently promoted Montauban who lifted this season’s Pro D2 trophy after putting aside FC Grenoble Rugby 24-19 in the final.

“It’s not been an easy decision for myself and my family to move from Scarlets and I have really enjoyed my time at Parc y Scarlets with a great group of players,” Fifita said.

“We have been warmly welcomed into the Scarlets community from the moment we arrived three years ago, but I think this is the right move for us as a family at this stage of my career, with the opportunity to experience and play in the Top 14.”

Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel added: “We thank Vaea for his great contribution to our club. He has produced some outstanding moments during his time here at the Scarlets, and we fully understand and support his decision to want to play in the Top 14.

“We wish him and his family well for their move to France.”

Peel’s side will return to pre-season next week ahead of the start of the URC campaign when they host Munster in round one of the new season on September 27.

“We have worked hard to retain the core of our squad, a lot of home-grown Welsh international talent and have made some exciting additions as well,” Peel added.

“As a group, we are looking forward to getting back together, welcoming some new members into our squad and putting in the work before a big opening to the season at home here against Munster at the end of September.”