Scarlets bolster squad with signing of new wing and prop

The Scarlets have confirmed the signing of two new players to join the West Wales squad this week adding more depth to their ranks at Parc y Scarlets.

Adding power and weight up front, Romanian international prop Horatiu Pungea joins the West Wales region with immediate effect after recently earning his call up to the full international side.

Weighing in at 130kgs, and at 6’2” (1.88m), the imposing 27-year-old tight head Prop has been a key member of the Romanian team since his debut, which came against Japan at Bucharest in November 2012.

Known for his strong scrummaging and big hits, Horatiu is an imposing figure both at set piece and in the loose. He joins the Scarlets on the back of winning the Romanian domestic championship for the second consecutive time with RCM UV Timisoara.

Pungea adds additional depth to front-row resources at Parc y Scarlets following the recent injury to Scarlets tight-head prop Deacon Manu (fractured arm out for 12-16 weeks).

Easterby said: “We are pleased to welcome Horatiu to Parc y Scarlets and he comes with high recommendations from the national side and from our discussions with Lynn Howells, who is Technical Director with the Romanian set-up.

“We’ve worked hard to build some dominance in our front five play under Forwards Coach Danny Wilson which has shown its strength already this season.

“Horatiu is a big player and comes to us in great shape. He has been an impressive player at international level and for his successful club in Romania. He will add depth to our squad in a key position but will also in training will help further the development of our younger Props Samson Lee and Rhodri Jones.”

In addition to bolstering their front row, the Scarlets will also welcome some new fire power to their back three with WRU sevens specialist and former Newport Gwent Dragons winger Mike Poole joining the squad at Parc y Scarlets.

Signed on a dual contract with the Scarlets and Wales Sevens, Poole comes to Parc y Scarlets for one year. The 27-year old 6’2” winger from Cardiff was formerly with Pontypool then moving to Newport and will return to action within weeks after overcoming an ankle injury. His most prolific try scoring period came during the 2008/9 season with Poole was the Principality Premiership top try scorer with 19 tries for Newport.