**Vaea Fifita Bids Farewell to Scarlets After Three-Year Tenure, Joins Montauban in the Top 14**
There has been a significant development for Welsh regional rugby as Scarlets confirm the departure of their versatile forward, Vaea Fifita. The Tongan international, who has also represented New Zealand on the Test stage, is set to continue his club career across the Channel after signing for Montauban, freshly promoted to France’s prestigious Top 14 league.
Fifita, aged 33, leaves Parc y Scarlets after accumulating 56 appearances and notching up 10 tries during his spell in Llanelli. His move comes as Montauban prepare for their challenging return to France’s top-flight competition, following a dramatic Pro D2 promotion run that culminated in victory over Grenoble, led by former Wales fly-half Sam Davies. The transfer is understood to include a fee for Scarlets, who reportedly have already arranged for a replacement signing.
Reflecting on his exit, Fifita expressed both gratitude and excitement about the new challenge ahead. “This has not been an easy decision to make for me and my family. We have truly enjoyed our time at Scarlets — both on and off the pitch,” Fifita noted in his farewell address. He continued, “Since arriving three years ago, we have felt a genuine warmth from the Scarlets community. However, this opportunity to compete in the Top 14 is the right one for us at this stage.” He also thanked his teammates, coaches, club staff, and supporters for their encouragement over the years, saying that he cherished his memories in a Scarlets shirt.
Fifita made a notable impact during his time in Welsh rugby. Arriving from Wasps in 2022, he quickly established himself as a key figure in the Scarlets’ forward pack. His dynamic playing style saw him recognised as one of the standouts in the United Rugby Championship, with inclusion in the Elite XV at the conclusion of his debut season for the region. Despite speculation regarding a potential exit last year, he opted to extend his stay in Llanelli before the fresh approach from Montauban materialised.
Responding to the news, Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel paid tribute to Fifita’s contributions. “We would like to thank Vaea for everything he has brought to our club. He has given us some memorable moments and always represented the Scarlets with pride and passion,” Peel said. He went on to state that the coaching staff fully support Fifita’s wish to experience French rugby and wished him and his family the best as they settle into a new chapter in their lives.
The timing of Fifita’s departure coincides with the squad’s preparations for the upcoming season, one that promises to be both demanding and exciting for the Llanelli outfit. The Scarlets are set to begin their Champions Cup campaign after securing a return to European elite competition, following a strong showing in the URC play-offs. Pre-season training resumes imminently, with an opening fixture against Munster at home marking the start of their competitive schedule.
Coach Peel remains optimistic about the squad’s prospects, citing a core of home-grown Welsh internationals and the integration of several new signings as reasons for expectancy. “We have worked hard to keep the backbone of our team intact and bring in fresh talent. There is great anticipation about what we can achieve, and we look forward to coming together as a group to prepare for the challenges ahead,” he added.
Fifita’s departure inevitably marks the end of an era for supporters, many of whom will remember his athleticism and commitment in the Scarlets jersey. As the region bids him farewell, attention now turns to how his absence will be addressed on the field and which new faces might emerge to fill the void.
This move also underscores the continued appeal of French rugby, as more international players seek opportunities in the fiercely competitive Top 14. For Fifita, the switch presents a fresh start and a final chance to test himself at the very highest level of the club game.
As the Scarlets turn towards a new chapter and Montauban build their squad for life in the Top 14, both clubs face contrasting challenges. Yet, for Vaea Fifita, the journey continues on a new stage—leaving behind a legacy at Parc y Scarlets and opening a future in French rugby.