Tonga international Vaea Fifita has left the Scarlets to join newly-promoted French Top 14 side Montauban. The French club reached the top flight after defeating Sam Davies' Grenoble following an unlikely Pro D2 play-off run. They have now moved to sign the 33-year-old Fifita, who also previously played Test rugby for New Zealand, ahead of their first season back in France's top division. Fifita leaves Llanelli after three years, having joined from Wasps back in 2022. It's understood the Welsh side have received a transfer fee as part of the move and have a replacement signing lined up. During his time at Parc y Scarlets , the mercurial lock and back-row played 56 times, scoring 10 tries. “It’s not been an easy decision for myself and my family to move from Scarlets and I have really enjoyed my time at Parc y Scarlets with a great group of players," said Fifita as he bid farewell. "We have been warmly welcomed into the Scarlets community from the moment we arrived three years ago, but I think this is the right move for us as a family at this stage of my career with the opportunity to experience and play in the Top 14. “I have some fantastic memories in a Scarlets jersey and I’d like to thank everyone at the club - coaches, players, staff and, of course, the fans for their support and friendship over the last three years. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack for the exclusive five-week tour diary from Japan and Australia. “I look forward to watching this exciting young Scarlets squad continue to develop and challenge over the coming seasons.” During his time in Llanelli, Fifita shone, being named in the United Rugby Championship's Elite XV after his first season at the club. He was linked with a move away from the Scarlets last year, but Fifita - who won the Super Rugby title during his time with the Hurricanes - ultimately ended up signing a new deal. “We thank Vaea for his great contribution to our club; he has produced some outstanding moments during his time here at the Scarlets and we fully understand and support his decision to want to play in the Top 14," said Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel. “We wish him and his family well for their move to France.” The Scarlets return to pre-season next week as they prepare for a campaign back in the Champions Cup, having reached the URC play-offs this season. Peel added: “We have worked hard to retain the core of our squad, a lot of home-grown Welsh international talent and made some exciting additions as well. “As a group, we are looking forward to getting back together, welcoming some new members into our squad and putting in the work before a big opening to the season at home here against Munster at the end of September.”