Nicky Thomas: Prop joins Scarlets from Gloucester with eye on Wales

Thomas helped Wales U20 reach the 2013 World Junior Championship final, which they lost to England

Scarlets have signed former Ospreys and Wales Under-20 tight-head prop Nicky Thomas from Gloucester on a two-year deal.

The 22-year-old made nine Gloucester appearances after graduating via their Hartpury College academy and five Ospreys appearances.

Scarlets say Thomas has returned to Wales to "pursue his international ambitions".

Wales tight-head Samson Lee is Thomas' main Scarlets rival.

The move came a day after Gloucester signed former Australia tight-head prop Salesi Ma'afu from Cardiff Blues.

• Scarlets' big names must step up - Pivac

• Priestland expected Wales omission

Thomas said: "There's a very strong pool of tight-heads at the Scarlets, including experienced internationals, and I look forward to not only learning from them but also pushing for a place in the starting line-up."

Scarlets general manager of rugby Jon Daniels said: "Nicky is known as a very strong scrummager and has been showing his ability in recent weeks for Gloucester.

"We are very pleased to be bringing a player of Nicky's quality back to Wales. He showed great potential as a cornerstone of Wales Under-20s scrum a few years ago."