With the Pro 12 having a total rebrand, it seems fitting that some world class talent has been added to the league. The five Pro 12 transfers I have picked out are players that i feel will have the biggest impact on the teams they are joining, as well as improving the Pro 12’s reputation.
Top Pro 12 Transfers
Jarrad Hoeata: Second Row/Back Row, Cardiff Blues (from the Highlanders)
Hoeata joins at the same time as Kiwi coach Mark Hammett, and will provide some much needed power in the back row. A regular at blindside flanker he and Sam Warburton could form an impressive duo if the Welshman does play for the Blues that is. This is plenty to look forward to for the Blues, Hoeata is a big ball carrier and strong in the tackle. Although he is now 31 he has had a mightily impressive season with the Highlanders and the former-All Black will want to bring that form to Cardiff.
Mils Muliaina: Fullback, Connacht (from the Chiefs)
A real coup for Connacht, bringing an All Black centurion to the province is a real boost. All Black centurions do not grow on trees and Muliaina is a member of a very select group, including; Dan Carter, Keven Mealamu and Richie McCaw, not a bad list. By the time the season kicks off Muliaina will be 34, and the impact he can have on a game maybe waning. However, his experience and reliability will be invaluable to Connacht. It is perhaps an even better signing off the field. For the young players at Connacht, to be given a chance to play with and learn from Muliaina, it is bound to boost their development.
Lee Byrne: Fullback, Newport-Gwent Dragons (from Clermont Auvergne)
Byrne is another fullback whose age is catching up with him, also 34; the Dragons will almost certainly be his final team. However, his three years at Clermont have seen some of the best rugby of his career and he was very well respected in France. He still possesses talent under the high ball and has the awareness to join the attacking line at the right time. His experience in the French league will help a youthful Dragons squad as they look to improve on their ninth place finish last year. Byrne has the added bonus by not being in the Welsh set up, meaning he will be playing all season for the Dragons, talk about value for money.
Regan King: Centre, Llanelli Scarlets (from Clermont Auvergne)
It is the ‘return of the King’ in Llanelli, as Regan King comes back to replace the man he once mentored. Jonathan Davies is now a quality international player and has moved to Clermont whilst King has moved the other way. The Jon Davies story shows exactly what Regan King can offer to the Scarlets, as well as being a supremely talented player on the field, he will help to teach younger centres like Scott Williams. There is word that King will only play on one more season, but has moved back to the Scarlets as he is looking to stay on in a coaching capacity after retirement. It is a great deal for the club, bringing a real fan favourite back to Parc Y Scarlets.
Chris Hala’ufia: Number 8, Llanelli Scarlets (from London Irish)
Hala’ufia may not be as recognisable as some of the players in this list, but I tip him to have a good season for the Scarlets. The Tongan has been at London Irish since 2008, and was a real fan favourite. Standing at 6’4 and 18 stone, he is a real powerhouse. A classic number eight ball carrier that constantly gets across the gain line, it is something that the Scarlets really lacked last season. They have dazzling backs, and when they play well it is a joy to watch. However, for much of last season the backs were given poor ball and forced to play on the back foot. Hala’ufia can remedy this with his abrasive style, and get the go forward that the backs need to function.
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