Done deal.

Scarlets have signed Hurricanes back-row forward Blade Thomson ahead of the 2018-19 season.

The 27-year-old has won four caps for the Maori All Blacks and is a former New Zealand Under-20s international. Thomson made a return to the Hurricanes squad over the weekend having missed last season with a serious shoulder injury.

Thomson looks set to be an ideal replacement for outgoing lock Tadhg Beirne, who has played much of this season as a back-row for the Welsh region.

“He is a very athletic, no-nonsense player with a big engine who will be an effective ball carrier both in the wide channels as well as in the middle of the park,” said Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac.

“Blade is highly regarded in New Zealand. An untimely injury impacted on his rugby in the last six months but he’s certainly a physical player who possesses the skillset to play the Scarlets way.”

Thomson said he is “very excited” to be joining the defending PRO14 title holders.