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Sione Kalamafoni to exit Scarlets for the ProD2

By Ian Cameron

12 Feb 2023

Sione Kalamafoni of Scarlets is tackled by Bradley Roberts of Ulster during the United Rugby Championship match between Ulster and Scarlets at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. (Photo By Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

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.

✍️ Avec notre partenaire @Interaction_Job, le recrutement se poursuit. 𝙎𝙄𝙊𝙉𝙀 𝙆𝘼𝙇𝘼𝙈𝘼𝙁𝙊𝙉𝙄 sera Vannetais la saison prochaine pour deux ans, jusqu’en 2025.
Plus d'informations 👉 https://t.co/QPrMYroJZ2 #RCV #BreizhRugby pic.twitter.com/KWJYWkLyaG
— Rugby Club Vannes (@RugbyClubVannes) February 12, 2023

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.

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Comments on RugbyPass

Barry 1 hour ago

'Springbok Galacticos can't go it alone for trophy-hunting Sharks'

Always has elevated the profile of African rugby?

They didn't do much for the games profile from 1981 - 1992. Not in a positive sense at least.

5 Go to comments

Bull Shark 1 hour ago

'Tom has the potential to be better than a British and Irish Lion'

What does “better than a British Lion” mean?

As good as a springbok?

6 Go to comments

Hellhound 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

On this I agree with you. There were many great teams and many different eras of rugby with very different rule sets. It's actually impossible to declare one team or player as the best ever. However, this is definitely the best SA team SA has ever had. All the accolades speaks for itself.

129 Go to comments

Hellhound 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

All you can do is hate on SA. Jealousy makes you nasty and it's never a good look. Those who actually knows rugby is all talking about the depth and standards of the SA players. They don't wear blinders like you. The NH had many years to build the depth and players for multiple competition the SA teams didn't. There will be growing pains. Not least travel issues. The NH teams barely have to travel to play an opponent opposed to the SA teams. That is just one issue. There is many more issues, hence the "growing pains". The CC isn't yet a priority and this is what most people have a problem with. Saying SA is disrespecting that competition which isn't true. SA don't have the funds yet to go big and get the players needed for 3 competitions. It all costs a lot of money. It's over using players and get them injured or prioritising what they can deliver with what are available. To qualify for CC, they need to perform well in the URC, so that is where the main priorities is currently. In time that will change with sponsors coming in fast. They are at a distinct disadvantage currently compared to the rest. Be happy about that, because they already are the best international team. You would have hated it if they kept winning the club competitions like the URC and CC every year too. Don't be such a sourmouth loser. See the complete picture and judge accordingly. There is many factors you aren't even aware of at play that you completely ignore just to sound relevant. Instead of being an positive influence and spread the game and help it grow, we have to read nonsense like this from haters. Just grow up and stop hating on the game. Go watch soccer or something that loves people like you.

129 Go to comments

Barry 2 hours ago

URC chief executive addresses potential Premiership merger

The RFU won't go for it especially now they've enhanced hybrid contracts and some control over their international players.

2 Go to comments

Barry 5 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

Exactly. They haven't learnt. Their regions and U20s are also whipping boys which is the bigger concern. Nothing coming through.

They maxed out the credit cards to keep their golden generation of players at home. It's now destroyed the game at every level in Wales.

10 Go to comments

Barry 5 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

Nor can the same coach turn it around. That's been proven across the last year. It will be years before they are even competitive again. It's a 5 year + job. No way Gatland will be around for that.

Italy's nadir was around ten years ago and even they were better equipped with their regions, U20s and senior squad and management. Wales have further to fall.

10 Go to comments

Barry 5 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

If they're happy at losing 12 on the bounce, get a regional coach who would be as bad but cost about a sixth in salary.

10 Go to comments

dw 6 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

I'm no expert but I've never seen nz or even aus as doing much for those nations? Both have benefited from their countries players playing for us! I see most of the top nations looking after themselves and maybe it's a world rugby issue?

129 Go to comments

richard davies 6 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

At 600k a year I would think there will be quite a Que. win lose or draw you can blame the small stature of the players and the WRU