Scarlets have completed the signing of highly-rated New Zealand lock Tom Allen, who will join the club ahead of the 2026-27 season from Super Rugby Pacific champions the Hurricanes.
The 21-year-old arrives in West Wales after emerging through one of New Zealand’s most respected player development systems and joins the Scarlets fresh from a dominant title-winning season with the Hurricanes, who lifted their first Super Rugby championship trophy in 10 years.
A product of the renowned Hastings Boys’ High School rugby programme, Allen represented New Zealand Under-20s across two seasons before progressing through the Hawke’s Bay Academy and into the Hurricanes’ professional environment. He has also gained valuable experience in New Zealand’s fiercely competitive National Provincial Championship.
Standing 6ft 6in, Allen is an athletic, physical second row renowned for his work rate, lineout ability and appetite to improve – qualities that made him a standout recruitment target for Scarlets Director of Rugby Nigel Davies.
Davies believes Allen has all the attributes to thrive in West Wales.
“We are delighted to welcome Tom to the Scarlets. He’s young, ambitious, positive and comes through one of the best player development systems in world rugby.
“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.
“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.
“Our recruitment is about more than simply adding players in certain positions. We are bringing in people who culturally will also strengthen the environment through their professionalism, ambition and work ethic. Tom fits that profile perfectly and will add further quality and competition to an already strong group of second rows.”
Allen is relishing the opportunity to begin the next chapter of his career and moving to West Wales.
“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 as well as gaining valuable new experiences in rugby.
“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.
“I’m looking forward to working with the coaches, learning from the experienced players already in the squad and doing everything I can to earn the respect of my new teammates and Scarlets supporters. I am excited to get to Llanelli, be part of West Wales rugby and add to the club’s future success.”
Allen becomes the latest addition to a Scarlets squad that continues to blend proven experience with some of the most exciting emerging talent from Wales and overseas as the club builds towards the future.
His arrival further strengthens the club’s second-row options, adding athleticism, depth and long-term potential ahead of the new campaign.
Other Scarlets players to have penned new deals are Fletcher Anderson, Josh Macleod, Gareth Davies, Dan Davis, Sam Lousi and Harri O’Connor.
New recruits include prop Corey Domachowski, second rows Harvey Cuckson and Alex Groves, hookers John McKee and George Roberts, full-back Isaac Murray-Macgregor and All Black Cullen Grace.
The Scarlets are looking forward to welcoming supporters back to Parc y Scarlets for the opening home fixture of the 2026-27 BKT United Rugby Championship season on Saturday September 26 (kick off 7.45pm) against Cardiff Rugby.