Phil Bennett, one of Llanelli rugby's true legends, has called on the Scarlets faithful to turn out in force for Simon's big game which starts at 4pm on Saturday (22 August) at Parc y Scarlets.
He said: "I will be there to show my respect and support for this great Scarlet. He may have come from Yorkshire and be an Irish international but since he arrived, he has lived up to the great Scarlet tradition in terms of his attitude, commitment and loyalty to the jersey.
"In all the games I have seen Simon play, he plays with pride, guts and puts himself on the line for the cause. You only have to see the mess on this face after a match to know that's the case.
"He has shown respect for the jersey over and again and has been a great servant to Llanelli and the Scarlets for more than 10 years. We should be grateful for that commitment and honouring him with a testimonial has my backing.
"I personally wish him all the best on Saturday. On top of his very impressive rugby career and dedication to the Scarlets, he is good guy and we should we grateful that he is a Scarlet."
Scarlets chairman Huw Evans said: "I personally believe there has never been a finer Scarlet or ambassador for the club and region. Simon Easterby has a unique range of outstanding qualities - importantly an inner quality of character, respect and obvious leadership - which has been relevant to the massive contribution he has made to the Scarlets over the past 10 years.
"In terms of his rugby ability, you have to say his performance level and consistency is profound. It always amused me to see the reaction from the boys from Munster and Leinster, Simon's international colleagues, with whom he played alongside for Ireland, when they have to play against him. He consistently rattles them with his ability over the ball to significantly slow down or steal it.
"Simon is the truest of Scarlets. His qualities and achievements on and off the field guarantee him a place at the Scarlets top table."
Easterby said: "It's an honour to be a part of this very special club and region. I feel privileged to have been part of Llanelli RFC and the Scarlets and I can't begin to say how much the continued support of the fans and everyone involved with the club means to me.
"From the moment I arrived ten years ago I've felt nothing but welcome and feel proud that I can call this club and region my spiritual home. I thank the fans, coaches, club officials and my fellow players for making my time as a Scarlet very special and for giving me so many fantastic memories; hopefully there will be many more to come."
To be part of this great occasion, tickets are priced just £10 for adults and £5 for juniors, under-8's go free. Kick off is 4pm this Saturday 22nd August. Call the ticket hotline on 0871 871 8088.
Photo Simon Easterby
