Ex-Hurricane Afeaki moves to Wales

New Llanelli rugby recruit Inoke Afeaki says he is living out a dream with his move to Stradey Park.

The Tongan test captain is settling into his new life in Wales following his move from Japanese club Secom on a two-year deal.

Having spent his career so far in Japan and New Zealand, it's a big change of direction for the 32-year-old lock -- but one he is relishing.

"I wanted to come out here and have a stab at European rugby," he told the Western Mail.

"This is a different culture and, if you want to experience Welsh culture, there is nowhere better than Llanelli.

"Competition for places within the squad is tough, and that's a good thing. There are a lot of guys pushing for a start and that's what pushes you that little bit further."

Born in Tofoa, Afeaki moved to New Zealand at the age of three and was brought up in Wellington, where he learned his rugby trade before playing several seasons with the Ricoh club in Japan.

He returned to New Zealand in 1998 to play for Wellington in the NPC and was then called up by the Hurricanes for the Super 12, where he played four seasons, ahead of a move back to Japan.

Afeaki, who has 18 caps for Tonga and three for the Pacific Islanders, is one of a batch of new faces at Llanelli.

Other recruits include South African Hottie Louw, US Eagle Mike Hercus, New Zealander Regan King, Englishman Clive Stuart-Smith, as well as Welsh internationals Alix Popham and Dafydd James.

- NZPA