Tonga flanker Fifita leaves Scarlets for France

Born in Tonga, Vaea Fifita played 11 Tests for New Zealand before switching to the country of his birth

Tonga flanker Vaea Fifita is leaving Scarlets to join Montauban in France's Top 14.

The 33-year-old, who can also play at lock, moved to Parc y Scarlets from Wasps in 2022 and signed a contract extension in August 2024 to extend his stay in Wales.

Fifita, who scored 10 tries in 56 matches for Scarlets, joins Montauban following their promotion to France's top division as Pro D2 champions.

"It's not been an easy decision for myself and my family to move from Scarlets and I have really enjoyed my time at Parc y Scarlets with a great group of players," Fifita said.

"We have been warmly welcomed into the Scarlets community from the moment we arrived three years ago, but I think this is the right move for us as a family at this stage of my career, with the opportunity to experience and play in the Top 14."

Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said: "We thank Vaea for his great contribution to our club. He has produced some outstanding moments during his time here at the Scarlets, and we fully understand and support his decision to want to play in the Top 14.

"We wish him and his family well for their move to France."

Scarlets have signed back row Tristan Davies from Ospreys for 2025-26, when they will play in the European Champions Cup.

Peel's side have been drawn against defending champions Bordeaux-Begles, finalists Northampton Saints and their English Premiership rivals Bristol Bears, plus a second French side Pau.

Scarlets return for pre-season next week looking to build on an impressive end to 2024-25 which saw the club reach the knockout stages of the United Rugby Championship as the only Welsh side to finish in the top eight.

"We have worked hard to retain the core of our squad, a lot of home-grown Welsh international talent and made some exciting additions as well," added Peel.

"As a group, we are looking forward to getting back together, welcoming some new members into our squad and putting in the work before a big opening to the season at home here against Munster at the end of September."