Scarlets sign New Zealand U20 lock Tom Allen from Hurricanes

Scarlets have completed the signing of New Zealand Under-20 lock Tom Allen from Super Rugby Pacific champions the Hurricanes. The 21-year-old joins as the seventh summer addition to the Welsh region's squad.

Allen, who stands 6ft 6in (1.98m), made 12 appearances for New Zealand U20s and featured twice off the bench for the Hurricanes during their title-winning campaign. He also played in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship with Auckland.

Player 'incredibly excited' about move

"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," Allen told the club's media. He added that he respects the Scarlets' history and tradition and is eager to be part of the passionate support.

New additions at Scarlets

• Lock Tom Allen (Hurricanes)
• Back-rower Cullen Grace (Crusaders)
• Full-back Isaac Murray-Macgregor (Canterbury/Crusaders pathway)
• Prop Corey Domachowski (Cardiff)
• Hookers John McKee and George Roberts
• Lock Harvey Cuckson (Bath, permanent after loan spells)

Scarlets director of rugby Nigel Davies praised Allen's hunger to improve, saying the young lock comes from "one of the best player development systems in world rugby." Davies believes Allen's attitude aligns with the qualities the squad needs.

Scarlets, who finished 14th in the United Rugby Championship last season, will begin the new campaign at home against Welsh rivals Cardiff on Saturday, 26 September.