Scarlets swoop for rookie Crusaders No.8 Fletcher Anderson
Scarlets have added further depth to their back-row options with the signing of Crusaders No.8 Fletcher Anderson.
The 22-year-old joins from the Christchurch-based Super Rugby champions after an impressive campaign with Tasman in the NPC.
The 6’2, 109kg loose forward was named the Makos’ Man of the Year, Player of the Year and Defender of the Year.
He went on to feature three times for the Crusaders during their Super Pacific title-winning season.
A former New Zealand Schools captain, Anderson came through the Crusaders Academy and U20s pathway before making his senior debut last year.
At the Tasman awards, the province described Anderson as “a young and promising talent” who has already shown “composure beyond his years, combining relentless work rate with a true passion for the jersey.”
“Fletcher is a hugely talented young New Zealand forward who has had an outstanding season for Tasman in the NPC and has already represented the Crusaders in Super Rugby,” said Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel. “He is a powerful, abrasive carrier with a strong workrate in defence.
“We are excited about what he can offer us and look forward to welcoming him to Llanelli ahead of a massive block of fixtures for us in the URC and Champions Cup.”
Anderson will link up with the Scarlets squad in November.
He said: “I would like to thank Dwayne for the opportunity to join the Scarlets. I have heard very good things from other players in the squad about the direction the team is heading and I’m really excited to get to Llanelli and meet everyone.
“Last season for the Scarlets was a step in the right direction making the play-offs and I’m looking forward to hopefully playing a part in helping the team push on further this season.”
