Leeds Carnegie sign Scarlets fly-half Thomas
Scarlets fly-half Ceiron Thomas has joined Leeds Carnegie
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Tuesday, 30, Jun 2009 10:38
Scarlets fly-half Ceiron Thomas has become Leeds Carnegie's sixth summer signing as they prepare for next season's return to the Guinness Premiership.
The 25-year-old stand-off, who can also play at full-back, joins the Headingley outfit after six years in Llanelli and the Magners League, where he has been understudy to Scarlets and Wales regular Stephen Jones.
And Thomas says he is "really excited about the challenge" that the English league offers.
"I hope that coming out of my comfort zone at the Scarlets will help me move onto the next level in my career. I can't wait to get started now," he said.
"I was very impressed with the coaching staff of Andy Key and Neil Back when I spoke to them and I knew that Leeds Carnegie was the right club for me when I heard their vision for the team and the club for the coming years."
Thomas has made 71 appearances for the Welsh region, scoring seven tries, including 19 matches in the 2008/09 campaign. His 288 career points haul also includes 62 conversions, 42 penalty kicks and a drop goal.
And Leeds Carnegie director of rugby Andy Key said he is "really pleased" by the signing of Thomas, who the manager claims will "add a lot to our squad".
"He has experience of playing in the Magners League and the Heineken Cup and that will be vital for us in the new season," he said.
"We also have Jason Strange as a specialist senior fly half in the squad so the competition between the both will really add to our options.
"It was a big move for Ceiron to leave his home town club and the only team he has ever played for and we are delighted that he chose Leeds Carnegie as his new home."
Scarlets head coach Nigel Davies added: "We wish Ceiron all the best for the future.
"In a squad featuring the world-class fly-half talent of Stephen Jones he has had to be patient; he has always been an excellent professional."
Thomas joins fellow new signings prop Gareth Hardy, second row Marco Wentzel, winger Henry Fa'afili, back rower Alfie To'oala and prop Juan Gomez in the Leeds squad for next season.