Welsh URC rivals raid Cardiff for Corey Domachowski

Scarlets have strengthened their front-row options ahead of next season after raiding Cardiff for Wales loose-head prop Corey Domachowski.

The 29-year-old makes the move west having spent his entire professional career with the Blue and Blacks, where he made 136 appearances and established himself as a regular at URC and European level. Domachowski has also won 10 Wales caps since making his Test debut against England in the summer of 2023.

Standing at 6ft and weighing 124kg, Domachowski arrives in Llanelli having played in four of Wales’ five matches at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. He went on to face Scotland, England, Ireland and France during the 2024 Six Nations.

“I’m at a point in my career where I need a new challenge and this is one I’m extremely excited about,” he said.

“Scarlets are a club with a lot of passion, a proud history and a strong connection to their community which really stood out to me.

“Leaving Cardiff Rugby after more than 10 years obviously isn’t easy and I am hugely grateful to Cardiff and all the supporters for everything they’ve given me.

“I’ve always worn the Cardiff jersey with honour and pride and I’ll be taking that mindset to West Wales.

“I’m looking forward to making an impact on and off the field – I am excited to meet everyone at the club this summer, including the supporters.”

Scarlets interim director of rugby Nigel Davies pointed to Domachowski’s experience as a key factor behind the signing.

“Corey brings proven experience at the highest level, in the URC, Champions Cup and international game and that’s exactly what we need as we continue to build,” Davies said.

“He’s a strong set-piece operator, a physical carrier and, importantly, someone who understands what it takes to compete consistently at the top end of the game.

“We have a number of talented young front-row forwards who are developing well within our squad and having a player of Corey’s knowledge and experience will be hugely valuable – not just in terms of performance, but in driving standards and competition across the squad.

“This is about strengthening our foundations and adding the right profile of player to support where we are going as a team.”

Domachowski will link up with the Scarlets squad this summer.

His arrival follows confirmation that No. 8 Fletcher Anderson and back-rower and captain Josh Macleod have both committed their futures to the club.

The club say further recruitment and retention announcements are on their way in the coming weeks.