Thomas, 25, becomes Leeds’ sixth signing ahead of the new Guinness Premiership season and joined his new team-mates for pre-season training on Tuesday.

“I am really excited about the challenge of coming to a new club and a new competition,” he said. “I hope that coming out of my comfort zone at the Scarlets will help me move onto the next level in my career. I can’t wait to get started now.

“I arrived up in Leeds on Sunday night and I have gone straight into pre-season training and getting to know the boys. I have played against teams from the Guinness Premiership whilst at the Scarlets and the matches have always been very physical and of a high standard.

“I am looking forward to testing myself against that type of opposition every week and trying to help Leeds consolidate their position in the top division.”