Welsh club keen on Chiefs prop

Welsh rugby club Llanelli Scarlets say they are closing in on signing Chiefs prop Deacon Manu.

Manu, who played for New Zealand Maori against the Lions last year, can play both sides of the scrum, but specialises at tighthead.

Scarlets chief executive Stuart Gallacher told the South Wales Echo newspaper today he is waiting on terms from the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) before sealing the services of the powerful 27-year-old Maori.

"We have the contract and work permit in place, now the NZRU must decide a price for his early release," he said.

"We are not anticipating any problems for ending his NZRU contract prematurely and hope to be able to make an announcement shortly.

Manu is currently with the New Zealand Maori team gathered in Christchurch to prepare for a match agsainst New South Wales on Friday in Sydney before the Churchill Cup tournament in Canada and the United States.

- NZPA