Scarlets sign Hurricanes lock Tom Allen to bolster URC second-row stocks

Scarlets have completed the signing of lock Tom Allen from the Hurricanes, adding the 21-year-old New Zealand U20 international to a squad that has been extensively reshaped over the summer ahead of the 2026/27 United Rugby Championship campaign.

Allen arrives in Llanelli having made two Super Rugby Pacific appearances for the Hurricanes — who claimed the title this season — after his debut in May. The 6ft 6in second row has also featured in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship with both Hawke’s Bay and Auckland, giving him a varied grounding in professional rugby at a young age.

Scarlets director of rugby Nigel Davies pointed to Allen’s attitude as much as his ability as the driving force behind the move. “He’s young, ambitious, positive and comes through one of the best player development systems in world rugby,” Davies said. “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.”

Davies added that Allen’s hunger to improve was a decisive factor. “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.”

Allen himself expressed enthusiasm for the move. “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.”

The signing is the latest in a busy summer for the Welsh region. Scarlets have already brought in 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 committed to new contracts.

Scarlets open their home URC campaign against Cardiff Rugby on 26 September.