Scarlets can confirm that Vaea Fifita is leaving the club to join newly-promoted French Top 14 club US Montauban.
The 33-year-old Tonga international joined the Scarlets in 2022 from Wasps and played 56 matches, scoring 10 tries.
Montauban will play in France’s top division next season after being crowned Pro D2 champions.
The former All Black, who has played in the second row and back row for the Scarlets, thanked the club and said he would leave with fond memories of his time in West Wales.
Vaea Fifita said: “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. 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.
“I have some fantastic memories in a Scarlets jersey and I’d like to thank everyone at the club – coaches, players, staff and, of course, the fans for their support and friendship over the last three years.
“I look forward to watching this exciting young Scarlets squad continue to develop and challenge over the coming seasons.”
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 return to pre-season next week ahead of a campaign that will see them back amongst club rugby’s elite in the Investec Champions Cup – with huge fixtures ahead against defending champions Bordeaux-Bègles, finalists Northampton Saints, Pau and Gallagher Premiership’s Bristol Bears – and looking to build on their impressive end to 2024-25 which saw the club reach the knockout stages of the United Rugby Championship.
Peel added: “We have worked hard to retain the core of our squad, a lot of home-grown Welsh international talent and have made some exciting additions as well.
“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.”