Deacon Manu extends contract as Scarlets retain experience in front five

Scarlets Tighthead Prop Deacon Manu has extended his contract with the Scarlets to remain at Parc y Scarlets for another two seasons.

The experienced thirty-three year old tighthead prop has been a mainstay of the region’s front row since his Scarlets debut against Northampton Saints in August 2006, after joining the West Wales region from Kiwi Super 12 club Waikato Chiefs.

With 127 regional appearances under his belt Manu has been with the West Wales region for six years and holds a wealth of experience and understanding of Scarlets Rugby.

A key senior player within the Scarlets squad, his knowledge and experience will be part of a drive to strengthen and develop up and coming front five players in the future as well as continuing his role a leading player within the Scarlets pack.

The front row powerhouse has continued to make an impact at Parc y Scarlets playing 17 games and scoring two tries during the 2011/12 campaign.

Manu, who was born in New Zealand to Fijian parents made his international debut for Fiji against Scotland in 2009 Manu went on to captain his mother’s native country leading them into the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Manu has settled into life in Llanelli with his young family over the past six years with both sons born locally. He said he was delighted with the new Scarlets contract and says he looks forward to playing his part in squad over the next two years.

He said: “I am delighted to have extended my contract with the Scarlets. Rugby here has been a huge part of my life and career and there is a lot to look forward to ahead; it has always been an honour to play for this region and the team spirit here and support we get is second to none.

“We are an ambitious team, with some great talent within our squad, and know we have plenty more to achieve and our challenge and commitment is to bring silverware back to Parc y Scarlets.

“We all know the potential the Scarlets have and the next two years will be an exciting and motivating time to be part of the Parc y Scarlets set-up with so much potential in this squad.

“We’ve got a good group of players and we’re a close-knit group and this season we showed what we can do with some big wins in Europe and were right in the chase in the league until the last game and this will only push us forward next season in terms of ambition and performance.

“I have always enjoyed playing my rugby here, it’s a rugby community that you can feel very proud to be a part of. My family is really happy and settled in West Wales and we have been always given so much support by the club and our supporters – so it’s been great to secure the next two seasons with the Scarlets.

“I look forward to playing my part in helping bringing forward new players as well as working alongside the other senior players to take the region forward next season.”