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All Black doesn’t come cheap

All Black veteran Rodney So'oialo's wage demands could block a possible move to a Welsh club.

The Cardiff Blues and Scarlets are in the market for the 33-year-old, who currently plays for Japanese side Heat, but with So'oialo seeking a hefty pay cheque a move to either club seems unlikely.

Scarlets assistant coach Mark Jones said while they are still considering signing So’oialo, they will weigh up their options.

"He's a player we looked at when he became available to us," Jones told Wales Online.

"We pursued that, did our homework and tried to find out as much as we could about the individual. That's ongoing. We are just seeing what else is there but we know what his capabilities are.

"We are still in the mix for all quality players. I don't want to rule anyone out at the moment. We are looking for a No.8 who will fit the Scarlets' brand of rugby in terms of his skill set. He will need to get the ball away from the base of the scrum and he will need to dominate tactics. We also want an aggressive ball-carrier who can take us over the advantage line.

"It's just about finding out what's available and try to make sure it gels with the group. The type of individual is important as well because whether it's a wing, prop, hooker or No.8 he needs to have a good personality to fit in with the culture of the group. The person is as important as the player.

"Recruitment is ongoing. We are trying to balance up our needs in terms of where we need to prioritise and fill some voids. There's money available, but myself, Simon [Easterby] and Danny (Wilson) spend it like it's our own. If the player is not right, I'd rather play a young, developing Scarlets player."

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