Scarlets have announced the signing of Welsh-qualified full back Isaac Murray-Macgregor from Crusaders in New Zealand.

The 20-year-old has been a part of the Canterbury and Crusaders pathway but is switching Super Rugby for the United Rugby Championship.

Murray-Macgregor is Welsh-qualified through his mother, who is from Llanelli. He’s also a cousin of Wales international and Scarlets centre Joe Roberts.

He was selected for the New Zealand Schools side in 2023, starting at full-back against Australia U18, and was also part of the Westlake Boys High School team that won the World Schools Festival in Thailand later that year.

More recently, he has continued his development within the Canterbury system, representing Canterbury B and being named in the Crusaders U20 squad for the 2025 Super Rugby U20 tournament. He was also involved in the Crusaders’ pre- season squad earlier this year.

“Isaac is a player we are genuinely excited about,” Interim Director of Rugby Nigel Davies said.

“This is not just a signing based on potential; it is a signing based on the quality of environment he has come through, the level of rugby exposure he has already had and the characteristics we believe he can bring to Scarlets now and in the future.

“He has grown up in a Canterbury and Crusaders system that is known throughout the game for developing smart, skilful and highly-competitive players.

“That background matters because players from those environments are used to high standards, detail and accountability from a young age.”

Murray-Macgregor fills a spot in the squad vacated by the departing Tom Rogers, and will compete for the back three positions with the likes of Blair Murray, Ellis Mee, Ioan Jones, and Jac Davies.

“I’m really excited to be joining Scarlets,” Murray-Macgregor said.

“It’s a club with a proud history, passionate supporters and a strong identity. From the conversations I’ve had, it’s clear there is a real ambition around where the club wants to go.

“My mum is from Llanelli, so the West Wales connection makes this move really special for me and my family. Also, growing up, I used to throw the ball around with Joe (Roberts) – but never thought we may be at the same club together!

“I know I have a lot of hard work ahead, but I’m looking forward to getting started, joining up the squad, learning from the coaches and a brilliant group of senior players and doing everything I can to contribute.”

“Isaac is athletic, brave, competitive and comfortable playing with the ball in space,” Davies added.

“He has good backfield instincts, strong aerial qualities and a willingness to involve himself in the game.

“He gives us another exciting option in the backfield and brings a different rugby experience into the group.

“What also stood out was his attitude. He wants to improve, he wants to challenge himself and he sees Scarlets as the right environment to take the next step in his career.

“He has come through a high-quality development pathway and now has the opportunity to connect that with his Llanelli roots here at Scarlets, which gives the signing added meaning.

“We want to build a squad with a strong core of Welsh talent, as well as being smart and creative in identifying players who can add value to what we are building.”

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