The former Blues flanker, 28, has been playing Super 14 rugby with Australia’s Queensland Reds this year but will join the Scarlets later this year, although he needs to obtain a work permit and pass a medical before the deal is confirmed.

"I'm really looking forward to moving to join the Scarlets and playing rugby in Europe. This is an exciting opportunity for me,” Braid told the Scarlets website.

"I really like the look of the Scarlets. They have quite an open style of play and the new stadium complex looks great."

Braid, who has been capped four times by New Zealand, will team up with former Australia number eight David Lyons who joined Llanelli this season.

"I've played against David lots of times, he's a great player - a great ball carrier," he added.

"I've not enjoyed tackling him very much as he's very mobile for such a big man. It'll be good to play with him rather than against him."