Scarlets' recruitment drive continues with former New Zealand U20 lock

Scarlets have continued their summer recruitment drive by completing the signing of former New Zealand U20 lock Tom Allen from Super Rugby Pacific champions the Hurricanes ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The 21-year-old second row arrives in Llanelli with two Hurricanes appearances under his belt, having made his debut in May. He has also gained experience in the National Provincial Championship with Hawke’s Bay and Auckland.

Standing at 6ft 6in, Allen is regarded as an athletic lock with strong lineout credentials and a high work rate. Director of rugby Nigel Davies believes the youngster’s ambition and professional background made him an ideal fit as Scarlets continue to reshape their squad for the new campaign.

Allen is the latest addition to an increasingly busy summer for the Scarlets. The region have already recruited Corey Domachowski, John McKee, George Roberts, Harvey Cuckson, Alex Groves, Isaac Murray-Macgregor and All Black Cullen Grace, while Fletcher Anderson, Josh Macleod, Gareth Davies, Dan Davis, Sam Lousi and Harri O’Connor have all signed new contracts.

The signing further bolsters Scarlets’ second-row stocks as they prepare for the start of the URC season, with the Welsh side set to begin their home campaign against Cardiff Rugby on September 26.

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United Rugby Championship

Scarlets

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26 Sep 26

Cardiff Rugby

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“We are delighted to welcome Tom to the Scarlets,” Davies said. “He’s young, ambitious, positive and comes through one of the best player development systems in world rugby.

“He has already experienced professional rugby in New Zealand, represented his country at Under-20 level and been part of an outstanding Hurricanes programme that has just won the Super Rugby title. Those experiences have given him an excellent platform, created a professional elite mindset and we firmly believe his best rugby is still ahead of him.

“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.

“Our recruitment is about more than simply adding players in certain positions. We are bringing in people who culturally will also strengthen the environment through their professionalism, ambition and work ethic. Tom fits that profile perfectly and will add further quality and competition to an already strong group of second rows.”

Allen added: “Joining the Scarlets is an opportunity I’m 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. 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.

“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.

“I’m looking forward to working with the coaches, learning from the experienced players already in the squad and doing everything I can to earn the respect of my new teammates and Scarlets supporters. I am excited to get to Llanelli, be part of West Wales rugby and add to the club’s future success.”