Crusaders' Jonny McNicholl to join Scarlets

Crusaders wing Johnny McNicholl will join Scarlets on a three-year contract at the end of the Super Rugby season.

Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac this week confirmed talks had been held with a view to bringing McNicholl to the region.

And a deal has now been agreed for the 25-year-old flyer, who can also operate at full-back, to make the switch to the Pro12 club later this year.

McNicholl told Radio NZ: "This is a great opportunity to experience living and playing in a different part of the world.

"I am at a stage in my life that I would like to do some more travel while I don't have family commitments back in New Zealand, and I am so fortunate to be able to do that with my rugby career.

"The Scarlets club appeals because they are a successful team that plays a similar brand of rugby to the Crusaders, and working under a Kiwi coach in Wayne Pivac will make that transition easier."

McNicholl has played a key role for Crusaders so far this season, scoring tries as Todd Blackadder's side beat Lions and Western Force in their last two games.

Crusaders head coach Blackadder said: "Johnny is a rare talent. His speed and ability to break through tackles has never been on better display than in the last couple of games, and we are loving seeing Johnny back to his best after a frustrating run with injuries over recent years."