British and Irish Lions

The 32-year-old lock, who is currently playing in Japan with Suntory, made 13 appearances for the All Blacks between 2002 and 2004.

Having spent all of his career in New Zealand he joined Harlequins in 2004 before moving to the far east.

"Simon is just the type of player we are looking for to bolster our pack," said Scarlets chief executive Stuart Gallacher.

"Simon is an excellent lineout specialist and brings a wealth of experience with him into the squad."

Maling added: "I am really looking forward to joining the Llanelli Scarlets. It is great to be joining a traditionally strong region which has such a proud history.

"As a New Zealander I am looking forward to being back in a country where rugby is the number one sport."

Qantas Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans says he picked his Test team for Saturday's opening international based on how his side plans to play rather than on what The British & Irish Lions will bring to the table.

Warren Gatland says he and his British & Irish Lions Test team are fully aware of the size of the threat posed by Qantas Wallabies wing Israel Folau this weekend.

Less than four kilometres away from the Suncorp Stadium, venue for the opening Test between the British & Irish Lions and Qantas Wallabies on Saturday, lies the grave of the man who took the starring role in the first international between the two teams in 1899.