Sione Kalamafoni to exit Scarlets for the ProD2

Tongan veteran Sione Kalamafoni's departure from Welsh URC side Scarlets has been confirmed. The 34-year-old back row will join ProD2 side Vannes on a two-year deal that will see him through to 2025.

The 6'5, 121kg forward - who can play both in the second and back row - played three editions of the World Cup with his selection, in 2011, 2015 and 2019.

Kalamafoni joins the likes of Paul Surano from Rouen, Alex Arraté from Stade Français and Jules Le Bail from La Rochelle in linking up with RC Vannes next season.

Sione was a big favourite during his three-year spell at Leicester Tigers and before that spent five seasons with Premiership rivals Gloucester. His first experience of English rugby had been with Nottingham in the RFU Championship.

Capped 37 times by Tonga, he made his international debut 15 years ago and has featured for the islanders in three Rugby World Cups, delivering a memorable man-of-the-match display in the stunning upset over France in 2011.

The 34-year-old has won player of the season awards at Gloucester and Tigers, where he made more carries (721) than any player in the Premiership. He also made the fifth most tackles. Only one other player has made more than 500 carries and 500 tackles during that time.