Scarlets’ newest Wales international Harri O’Connor has signed a new contract with the club.
The 23-year-old tight-head prop made his senior debut in 2020 and has gone on to make 36 appearances in a Scarlets jersey, including 15 this season.
After appearing in Wales’ uncapped fixture against the Barbarians in November, O’Connor came on for his first Test cap against Italy at the end of the Guinness Six Nations – the 254th player to represent the Scarlets on the international stage.
Born in Northallerton in North Yorkshire, ‘HOC’ played his junior rugby for Dorchester RFC before he joined the Scarlets Academy along with his young brother Sam.
Harri said: “It has been an incredible few years for me, from making my senior debut for the Scarlets and playing alongside my younger brother, then touring with Wales and winning my first cap.
“For me now, it is about continuing to push on and develop my game, play regularly for the Scarlets and try to add to that cap.
“I am fortunate that the club have had confidence in giving opportunities to young players and we feel we are building something here for the coming years. I have learnt a lot from the experienced players in the squad about what it means to wear the Scarlets jersey and I’m looking forward to playing my part in moving the side forward.”
Reflecting on his Wales debut, Harri added: “It was a dream come true, an amazing experience and pretty hard to soak it all in. My family have all sacrificed so much to get me to where I am today and I will forever be in their debt.”
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said: “It was fantastic to see HOC win his first cap during the Six Nations. In terms of prop forwards, at 23, he is still learning the trade and is one of a number of talented young front-rowers we have at the club.
“Like the players we have already re-signed for the coming seasons, they are going to be a big part of this club. We are rebuilding the squad and are excited about players like HOC who have so much potential at this level.”
The Scarlets have already announced that Tom Rogers, Dan Davis and Ben Williams have penned new contracts, while Toyota Cheetahs hooker Marnus van der Merwe has signed ahead of the 2024-25 season. Further announcements on renewals and new signings will be made in the coming weeks.
Scarlets would like to thank Harri’s player sponsor Graham Gilhooley for his continued support.