Thomas, who has been named in Warren Gatland’s squad for this month’s Test against South Africa and the tour of Australia, will link up with his new teammates ahead of the 2024-25 season.
The 32-year-old tight-head has been playing with in the French Top 14 for the last three years and spent six months at Castres having joined in January after a mixed spell at Montpellier.
Thomas played seven internationals for England, but through World Rugby regulations was eligible to switch allegiances to Wales, who he qualifies for through his Swansea-born father.
He won his first Wales cap in the 2023 World Cup warm-up match against England, then featured against Australia and Georgia during the global tournament in France.
Thomas, who stands at 6ft 1in and 119kg, started his career at Sale Sharks before moving to Bath, where he played for seven years.
The prop will battle with Scarlets’ Wales international tight-heads Harri O’Connor and Sam Wainwright as the region continue to try to fill the void left by veteran campaign Samson Lee who retired this summer after a long-injury lay off.
Speaking on the move Thomas said:
“I spoke to Peely a few months ago and the way he spoke about his vision for the club and I know the style of rugby they play which made it an easy decision for me.
“There is so much quality in this Scarlets squad, I’m looking forward to seeing what I can add and hopefully help to compete at the top of the URC and in Europe.
“My memories of playing against Scarlets in Europe when I was at Bath were always tough ones. They had a strong pack and played quick exciting rugby, I’m excited to be a part of that.”
Delighted on his new acquisition head coach Dwayne Peel said:
“Henry will bring vast experience from the top level in England and more recently in France, where he has played a lot of games in the Top 14 for Castres and Montpellier this season.
“He is a powerful scrummager who is also a strong carrier and will add further depth to our front-row resources.
“Bringing in an international forward can only help the young group we have at the Scarlets. We have two young tight-heads in Harri O’Connor and Sam Wainwright and an exciting group of young front-rowers coming through our academy.
“We look forward to welcoming Henry to Llanelli for pre-season.”
Thomas is the Scarlets’ fifth new addition to the squad for the 2024-25 campaign following the signings of hooker Marnus van der Merwe, prop Alec Hepburn, second row Max Douglas and full-back Ellis Mee.
[Lead image: Scarlets Rugby]
