Scarlets sign scrum-half Ruki Tipuna from New Zealand
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
The Scarlets have signed Kiwi scrum-half Ruki Tipuna from Bay of Plenty on a short-term contract.
Nigel Davies' side will go into the new season without Wales World Cup squad member Tavis Knoyle.
Gareth Davies (groin) and Aled Davies (knee) are also injured, leaving the Scarlets short of cover.
Tipuna, 28, has played for New Zealand Sevens and Maori as well as Wellington and his unspecified contract could be extended during the season.
Rhodri Williams starts at scrum-half in the Scarlets' final pre-season warm-up game at Exeter on Saturday, 1500 BST.
Scarlets (at Exeter): Daniel Evans; Lee Williams, Nick Reynolds, Aled Thomas, Andy Fenby; Dan Newton, Rhodri Williams; Rhodri Jones, Emyr Phillips, Peter Edwards, Aaron Shingler, Dominic Day, Josh Turnbull, Johnathan Edwards (capt), Ben Morgan.Replacements: Justin James, Rhodri Gomer-Davies, Adam Warren, Lee Rees, Rhys Jones, Iestyn Thomas, Kirby Myhill, Phil John, Simon Gardiner, Lou Reed, Damian Welch, Craig Price, Richie Pugh.
