The New Guys: Kees Meeuws

Kees Junior Meeuws, or 'News' to his rugby playing friends, is hopefully going to be the solution to the Scarlets' tight head problems.

34 year-old Meeuws has impressed so far in pre-season training giving much hope to the new look squad as they prepare for the coming season.


With 45 All Black caps to his name, the ex-Castres player certainly brings a wealth of experience to Stradey and on to Parc y Scarlets. Many people have asked the question of whether Meeuws is now too old, or possibly here just for financial gain, but just taking a look at some of the Scarlets pre-season training videos show just why Meeuws is held in such high regard. Commitment, determination and powerful are three words which jump straight out to describe him.

So, what difference will he make? Meeuws will be taking over the tight-head spot from Deacon Manu, who struggled at times last season. Many people thought Manu looked too 'lightweight' compared to previous seasons and will hopefully bulk up for the coming campaign to provide essential depth. Meeuws is a totally different animal. He's a mountain of a man with a much more fierce game style. If Meeuws plays with a fraction of the ferocity and passion he showed with the All Blacks, the Scarlets will be very pleased.

Meeuws has the ability to secure the Scarlets' scrum which seemed to free-wheel at points last season, something which hindered the sublime back-play we're used to seeing at times.

Obviously he's not the total solution, but Meeuws will have a big part to play if the Scarlets are to launch an attack on any competition this season.

FULL NAME Kees Junior Meeuws
BORN Friday, 26 July 1974 in Auckland
AGE 34
PHYSICAL 1.83m, 121kg
POSITION Prop
PROVINCES Otago, Auckland
SUPER 12 TEAM Blues
RUGBY NICKNAME News
ALL BLACK DEBUT Saturday, 29 August 1998v Australia at Sydney