Mon 13 Apr 2009
Daniel Braid has confirmed he will leave the Reds Super 14 team for a lucrative three year deal with the Scarlets, previously known as Llanelli.
The Reds’ openside flanker and former All Blacks No 7 links up with his new team in July - the Welsh club famous in this part of the world for defeating the All Blacks in 1972.
Braid says he will go once the Super 14 reviews are completed in Brisbane and he’s had the chance to celebrate his engagement party with family and friends back in New Zealand.
“I like the look of the club. I had a look at a DVD of them and they have quite an open style. The Magners League is a good competition to play in and it’s a feeder to the Six Nations.”
Wales appealed to the 28-year-old for several reasons, among them the fact he debuted for the 2002 All Blacks against the Red Dragons in Cardiff along with future Scarlets colleague Regan King. Kees Meeuws and Deacon Manu are other Kiwisat the club, while Simon Maling has just been released.
“My first test was in Wales, so that was something special, but I’ve been in touch with Deacon on Facebook. He writes his own blog on their website,” Braid said.
“The Welsh appreciate what a good specialist openside flanker can do, which some other countries don’t always do.”
Braid should be able to strike up a powerful loose forward combination with captain and former Lion Simon Easterby (No 6) and former Wallaby No 8 David Lyons. Wales No 10 Stephen Jones is the Scarlets backline general.
While Braid has only spent one season with the Reds under his one year deal as their marquee player, the union was keen to retain his services for 2010.
Braid says the QRU was always kept in the loop. He has enjoyed his time in Brisbane and has shown himself to be one of the most consistent in the young Reds pack, and a more than capable replacement for David Croft.
“I’m still really enjoying it even though we’ve lost a few games. I’m pretty keen to finish well with these guys.”