Scarlets can today announce that Samoan international Maselino Paulino has joined the region on a trial, with a view to him continuing on a longer-term basis, subject to a visa and medical.
The international second row, who can also play on the blindside, stands at 204cm (6ft 9in) and weighs in at 126kg. The 27-year-old is extremely athletic with physicality, impressive in the air and is deceptively quick.
Paulino brings experience to the Scarlets squad and bolsters the second row following Richard Kelly’s premature retirement and the absence of Jake Ball who’s on international duty. He adds strength to Scarlets’ second row pool of South African George Earle, Lewis Rawlins and former England Under 20s lock Tom Price, who joined the region in the summer from Leicester Tigers.
Paulino was selected in the Manu Samoa’s wider Rugby World Cup squad from a non-professional background, which is recognition of his regard within Samoan Rugby.
Since making his international debut in 2008, against the All Blacks at New Plymouth, Paulino has gone on to win seven international caps with his most recent appearance coming in the Pacific Nations Cup 20-21 victory over Canada in Toronto back in July.
Commenting on the news Scarlets Head Coach Wayne Pivac said: “We’re pleased to welcome Maselino to the Scarlets. He’s an exciting talent and was unlucky to miss out on an opportunity to represent Samoa in the Rugby World Cup.
“We’ve been looking to bolster our second row options following Rich Kelly’s career-ending injury and we’re excited by what Maselino can bring to the group. He has international experience on the field but will be new to the daily routine of a professional environment.”
Maselino Paulino added: “I’m grateful to the Scarlets for giving me this opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting out on the field to show what I can do.
“It’s an honour to have the opportunity to represent a club like the Scarlets that has a world-renowned tradition and heritage. I feel that I have a lot to give to the game and I’m ready to take my game to the next level.”
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