Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Tom Allen is a product of the renowned Hastings Boys' High School rugby programme
- Published44 minutes ago
Scarlets have signed New Zealand lock Tom Allen from Super Rugby Pacific champions the Hurricanes.
The 21-year-old made 12 appearances for New Zealand Under-20s before playing in the National Provincial Championship with Auckland.
He featured twice off the bench in the past season as Hurricanes won their first Super Rugby championship trophy in 10 years, and says joining Scarlets is an opportunity he is "incredibly excited about".
"I've heard so many positive things about the club, the supporters and the style of rugby played at Parc y Scarlets," said Allen.
"It feels like the perfect place to continue developing as both a player and a person as well as gaining valuable new experiences in rugby."
The 6ft 6in (1.98m) lock added: "Growing up in New Zealand, you understand the history, values and tradition of clubs like the Scarlets.
"There's a real pride in the jersey, passionate support and that's something I recognise and respect and want to be part of."
Scarlets sign WRU deal but peace is temporary
- Published2 days ago
Scarlets sign New Zealand forward Grace
- Published26 June
Allen is the seventh summer signing for Scarlets who have also recruited New Zealand back-rower Cullen Grace from Super Rugby side Crusaders and 20-year-old Welsh-qualified full-back Isaac Murray-Macgregor from the Canterbury and Crusaders pathway.
Scarlets director of rugby Nigel Davies believes latest recruit Allen is another exciting prospect.
"He's young, ambitious, positive and comes through one of the best player development systems in world rugby," said Davies.
"What really impressed us throughout the recruitment process was his hunger to improve.
"He embraces challenge, wants to learn and is excited by the opportunity to test himself in a new environment. Those are exactly the qualities we want to add within this squad."
Scarlets have already brought in Wales loose-head prop Corey Domachowski from Cardiff and hookers John McKee and George Roberts to add to their front-row resources.
Welsh-qualified lock Harvey Cuckson has joined permanently from Bath after impressing during two loan spells in 2025-26.
Scarlets, who finished 14th of 16 in the United Rugby Championship (URC) in the past season, begin the new campaign at home against Welsh rivals Cardiff on Saturday, 26 September.
Related topics
Welsh rugby's ins, outs and re-signings for 2026-27
- Published13 minutes ago
