The Scarlets have announced the signing of former New Zealand U20s lock Tom Allen from Super Rugby Pacific champions the Hurricanes. The move bolsters their second-row options ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Allen joins from title-winning Hurricanes
Allen arrives in West Wales after emerging through one of New Zealand's most respected player development systems. He joins the Scarlets fresh from a dominant title-winning season with the Hurricanes, who lifted their first Super Rugby championship trophy in 10 years.
Standing 6ft 6in, Allen is an athletic, physical second row renowned for his work rate, lineout ability and appetite to improve.
Background and development
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.
Director of rugby comments
“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,” said Scarlets director of rugby Nigel Davies. “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.”
Davies added: “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.”
Recruitment strategy
“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,” Davies concluded.
Allen's reaction
“Joining the Scarlets is an opportunity I'm incredibly excited about,” said Allen. “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 added.
Eighth new signing
Allen is the eighth new signing the Scarlets have made, joining Wales prop Corey Domachowski, hookers John McKee and George Roberts, second-rows Harvey Cuckson and Alex Groves, All Blacks backrower Cullen Grace, and Welsh-qualified Kiwi full-back Isaac Murray-Macgregor.
