Scarlets have announced the signing of hooker John McKee from Leinster, filling the gap left by the departing Marnus van der Merwe.

McKee joins Scarlets ahead of the 2026/27 season, having been behind British and Irish Lions duo Dan Sheehan and Ronan Kelleher in the pecking order at the Dublin-based side.

The 26-year-old hooker has scored five tries in 46 appearances for Leinster in the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup.

A former Ireland U18s and U20s international, McKee started out in the Ulster age-grade pathway. He then came through the Leinster Academy system before making his senior debut against the Sharks in Durban in 2022.

McKee has featured nine times for his club this season, with just four starts.

With Springbok Marnus van der Merwe moving on this summer, Scarlets say that McKee will add “quality, physicality and experience” to a group of Scarlets hookers that includes Wales international Ryan Elias and exciting young prospects Harry Thomas and Isaac Young.

“I’m buzzing about the move,” McKee said.

“The opportunity to join the Scarlets was one that really excited me straight away and from the first call I had with Nigel, Dwayne and Cubby, the passion they have for the club really struck me.

“I’m looking forward to getting over there, meeting the boys, the staff, connecting with the supporters and hopefully adding to the environment.

“I was 24th man last season when the Scarlets beat Leinster in Llanelli and I remember thinking at the time how much the fans got behind the side and how passionate they were.

“This is a fresh slate for me, I have loved my time with Leinster, but like every rugby player, you want to be playing regularly.

“I know the Scarlets haven’t had the results they wanted this season, but there have been a number of close-run games and you can see the direction the team is moving in, the young talent coming through and the style of rugby they want to play.

“I am looking forward to playing a part in that.”

McKee is the third new signing to be announced by the Scarlets, following the news that prop Corey Domachowski (Cardiff) and lock Harvey Cuckson (Bath) will be joining the squad in the summer.

“John is a player we are really excited to bring to the Scarlets because he fits exactly the type of profile we want in this squad,” Interim Director of Rugby Nigel Davies said.

“He comes from an outstanding environment at Leinster where standards are exceptionally high every single day and we believe that experience will be hugely valuable for us.

“He is physical, competitive and has proven himself at URC and Champions Cup level, despite competing against some of the best hookers in world rugby for opportunities.

“What also stood out was his hunger to come here, compete and grow his game. We want players who are ambitious, who want to challenge themselves and who are excited by where this group is heading.

“We are building genuine competition across the squad because that is what drives standards and improves performances. We have seen the positive impact that competition has had within the group over the last couple of seasons and John will add strongly to that.”

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