‘Big Joe’ ready for new challenge

Former Eastern Province Kings lock Johan Snyman joined English club Scarlets on Monday and says he is pleased to be “hitting the ground running.”

Snyman, who arrived in the United Kingdom at the end of last week, links up with countrymen Jacobie Adriaanse and George Earle.

Speaking from Parc y Scarlets, the 26-year-old affectionately known as ‘Big Joe’ at his previous club, said:  “It’s great to be here, I met the boys last week and the coaching staff and had a good look round and everyone’s been very welcoming. There’s a good feel to the place and the stadium set-up is very impressive.

“I’m just eager to get going now and add whatever I can; the boys seem to have a good spirit, real ambition this season and a strong team ethic so it will be good to be a part of it.

“I’ve been able to get a couple of weeks off to refresh but it’s great to get straight to work here and hit the season straight away.  I got a real sense of how much rugby means to this part of the world at the big derby on Friday night – what a great atmosphere.

“When I heard the Scarlets were coming up against the Ospreys early on in the campaign, I told my agent that he had to get me over here by then so I could see it for myself.

“I think the supporters are going to be great to get to know, I’ve already been stopped in the street with my wife Talitha, when they see me in a Scarlets jacket just to chat and welcome me to Llanelli.”