Scarlets Secure New Zealand U20 Lock Tom Allen from Hurricanes

Scarlets have announced a significant new signing for their forward pack with the acquisition of Tom Allen, a former New Zealand Under-20 lock. The 21-year-old joins the Welsh club from the Super Rugby Pacific champions, the Hurricanes.

Allen, standing at 6ft 6in (1.98m), arrives at Parc y Scarlets with a growing reputation, having represented New Zealand at the U20 level and featured in the National Provincial Championship with Auckland. His move to Wales marks a new chapter in his burgeoning career.

New Zealand Prospect

Allen’s journey in rugby has seen him develop through the esteemed Hastings Boys’ High School program. He made 12 appearances for the New Zealand U20s, showcasing his potential at an international age-group level. This season, he contributed to the Hurricanes’ Super Rugby championship success, appearing twice off the bench as the team secured their first title in a decade.

Joining Scarlets represents an opportunity Allen is eager to embrace. “I’ve heard so many positive things about the club, the supporters and the style of rugby played at Parc y Scarlets,” Allen stated. “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.”

He also expressed a deep respect for the club’s heritage. “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.”

Director of Rugby Nigel Davies highlighted Allen as an exciting prospect. “He’s young, ambitious, positive and comes through one of the best player development systems in world rugby,” Davies commented. “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’ Summer Recruitment

Allen is the seventh player to sign for Scarlets this summer, indicating a busy period of squad strengthening. The club has also recruited New Zealand back-rower Cullen Grace from the Crusaders and 20-year-old Welsh-qualified full-back Isaac Murray-Macgregor from the Canterbury and Crusaders pathway.

The club has also bolstered its front-row resources with the additions of Wales loose-head prop Corey Domachowski from Cardiff and hookers John McKee and George Roberts. Additionally, Welsh-qualified lock Harvey Cuckson has joined permanently from Bath after impressing during two loan spells in the previous season.

The upcoming season will see Scarlets aiming to improve on their 14th-place finish in the 16-team United Rugby Championship (URC). Their campaign is set to begin at home against Welsh rivals Cardiff on Saturday, September 26.

Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|—|—|
| Player Name | Tom Allen |
| Age | 21 |
| Previous Club | Hurricanes (Super Rugby Pacific Champions) |
| National Representation | Former New Zealand U20s |
| Height | 6ft 6in (1.98m) |
| New Club | Scarlets |

This signing is a positive development for Scarlets as they look to build a more competitive squad for the upcoming United Rugby Championship season. The addition of a young, ambitious lock with international age-group experience and a Super Rugby title under his belt provides valuable depth and potential for the Welsh club.

Source: Scarlets sign New Zealand U20 lock Allen – BBC Sport – https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/cwyl5jd2gd6o

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