Meeuws keen to pass on experience

Meeuws made 45 appearances for the All Blacks between 1998 and 2004

Llanelli Scarlets' latest recruit Kees Meeuws is keen to pass on his wealth of top-level experience to the region's younger generation.

The ex-All Black prop, who won 46 caps, signed for the Scarlets on a two-year deal from Castres Olympique in May.

The 33-year-old has been impressed with the region's new coaching set-up and is eager to pass on his knowledge.

"I'm at a stage in my career where I want to give back some of my experience to up-and-coming players," he said.

During his career the tight-head has played for New Zealand provinces Auckland and Otago and for the Highlanders and Blues in the Super 12 and for both Castres and Agen in France.

"I'm 33, still very competitive and I like to be involved in a structured, professional environment," explained Meeuws.

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"I'm looking forward to playing some good rugby and getting involved with the younger generation to pass on my knowledge.

"The Scarlets - because of the way in which they're approaching the future - give me a chance to do that and to keep playing top level rugby.

"I'm excited about the new stadium. It's an amazing place.

"I've never been in an environment where they've had purpose-built training facilities all on site.

"From what I've seen and from what I've talked through with the coaches, this is where I'll be very happy indeed."

Meeuws will start his Scarlets playing career at Stradey Park ahead of the region's planned moved to its new £23m stadium, Parc y Scarlets, later this year.

The ground, which includes new purpose-built training facilities, is due to open during next season and with the region hoping to move in to its new home in mid-November.