Scarlets have confirmed the signing of second row Alex Groves from fellow United Rugby Championship side DHL Stormers.

Groves is a former U20s Grand Slam winner with England, and has previously played for Bristol Bears, Sale Sharks, Western Province and the DHL Stormers.

Standing at 6ft 9in, the 25-year-old will bring size and strength to Scarlets, as well as a good lineout option.

He featured for the club earlier this season as loan cover during the URC South African tour, starting against the Lions and appearing from the bench against the Sharks in Durban. Groves will join the West Walian side ahead of the 2026/27 season.

“I’m really excited to be joining the Scarlets permanently,” Groves said.

“Having had the opportunity to spend time with the club on loan earlier this season, I got a real feel for the environment, the people and the ambitions here, which made it an easy decision.

“My time with the boys gave me a great insight into the culture that’s been built within the squad. It’s a group that works hard for each other and I’m looking forward to becoming a part of that and contributing however I can.

“This move is a fresh challenge for me at an important stage of my career and I’m looking forward to pushing myself, developing my game further and testing myself in a new environment.

“I can’t wait to join everyone in Llanelli, meet up with the boys again and get stuck into pre-season.”

Groves is Scarlets’ sixth signing ahead of next season, with Corey Domachowski, Harvey Cuckson, John McKee, George Roberts, and Isaac Murray-McGregor all having been previously confirmed.

“Alex is exactly the type of player we wanted to bring into the squad,” Scarlets Interim Director of Rugby Nigel Davies added.

“He has excellent size, athleticism and set-piece presence, but what really impressed us was his appetite to compete and improve.

“He is still only 25 years of age, has come through robust rugby environments at Bristol, Sale and the Stormers and we believe there is a lot more growth to come in his game.

“We have been very clear that strengthening the tight five is a key priority for us. Rugby is still built on winning collisions, dominating set-piece and creating a platform for the rest of the team and Alex helps us in all of those areas.

“We are building genuine competition within our second-row group and that is important in helping drive standards which drives performance.

“Alongside experienced players like Sam Lousi, Harvey Cuckson and the younger players coming through, Alex will help create a stronger and more competitive environment.

“He spent time with us in South Africa earlier this season and fitted into the environment immediately. He understood what the Scarlets is about, he enjoyed the environment and we were equally impressed with him.

“We believe he has all the attributes to become a very important player for this club.”

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