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The Scarlets have confirm Welsh qualified New Zealand centre Michael Collins has joined the region on a short-term contract to cover for injuries to Wales duo Liam Williams and Scott Williams.

The Queenstown-born centre, who also plays at fullback, is second-generation Welsh descent to a grandfather who hails from Llanelli.

The 22-year-old has arrived in Wales looking forward to linking up with his new teammates at the Scarlets after Otago bowed out of the ITM Cup Championship semi-finals with a defeat to Wellington.

Collins was highly commended for his counter-attacking play in the semi-final defeat and had scored a brace of tries in Otago’s victory over Northland 10 days earlier.

(Image: Huw Evans Agency)

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The former captain of Otago Boys’ High School 1st XV and 1st XI, and former New Zealand Schools representative, was the first player to be signed to premiership level straight from school. He represented New Zealand Under-20s on five occasions in 2013.

Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac said: “Michael is a versatile player with a good skill set who has played in the midfield and fullback for Otago in the ITM Cup.

“He has been brought in to cover injuries to Scott and Liam and we’re looking forward to welcoming him to West Wales and to the Scarlets.”

The Scarlets are flying high at the top of the Guinness Pro12 table having won five matches and boast the only 100 per cent record in the league.