The Scarlets are closing in on the signing of Kiwi lock Tom Allen from the Hurricanes, WalesOnline understands. After a disappointing season, the Scarlets have made strengthening the front-five a priority and have been looking for a second-row.
Scarlets' second-row targets
Second-row has been an area they have tried to strengthen; they have already signed Welsh-qualified lock Harvey Cuckson from Bath along with South African Alex Groves from the Stormers. They now want to add Allen to their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Tom Allen's background
The 21-year-old is a former New Zealand U20s international and was in the wider squad of Super Rugby Pacific champions the Hurricanes. Allen has also played for Auckland and Hawke's Bay Magpies in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship. At 6ft 6in and over 17 stone, Allen is a tighthead lock who is very physical and has a reputation as a strong ball carrier in the NPC.
Potential impact at Scarlets
If they succeed in signing him, the Scarlets will hope they have unearthed a gem like No 8 Fletcher Anderson, who was a bit-part player at the Crusaders before excelling in west Wales. The Scarlets today confirmed the signing of All Blacks backrower Cullen Grace from the Crusaders, who could also be utilised at lock, while they have also extended the contract of experienced second-row Sam Lousi. They have also signed two hookers, John McKee from Leinster and George Roberts from the Dragons, while Wales international Corey Domachowski is coming on board from Cardiff. The Scarlets saw former Wales star Jake Ball and influential Australian Max Douglas leave at the end of the season.
Backline strength
With a very talented backline consisting of players like Sam Costelow, Macs Page, Johnny Williams, Joe Hawkins, Joe Roberts, Blair Murray and Ellis Mee, the Scarlets will hope a new-look pack can provide them with a solid platform.
