Tom Allen: Scarlets sign New Zealand U20 lock from Hurricanes

Allen is the seventh summer signing for the Scarlets who have recruited New Zealand back-rower Cullen Grace from Super Rugby side Crusaders and 20-year-old Welsh-qualified full-back Isaac Murray-McGregor from Canterbury and Crusaders Pathways.

Scarlets director of rugby Nigel Davies believes latest recruit Allen is another exciting prospect.

“He’s young, ambitious, positive and has come through one of the best player development systems in world rugby,” Davies said.

“What really impressed us throughout the recruiting process was his hunger to improve.

“He takes challenges, wants to learn and is excited to test himself in a new environment. These are exactly the qualities we want to add to this squad.”

The Scarlets have already brought in Wales loose-head prop Corey Domachowski and hookers John Mackie and George Roberts from Cardiff to add to their front-row resources.

Welsh-qualified lock Harvey Cookson has joined permanently from Bath in 2025-26 after impressing during two loan spells.

The Scarlets, who finished 16th in the United Rugby Championship (URC) last season, Start a new campaign Saturday, September 26 at home to Welsh rivals Cardiff.