Scarlets have announced the signing of former New Zealand U20 lock Tom Allen from Super Rugby Pacific champions Hurricanes.

The 21-year-old arrives at Scarlets after appearing twice of the bench for the Hurricanes, who lifted their first Super Rugby championship trophy in 10 years.

Allen has made 12 appearances for New Zealand Under-20s before playing in the National Provincial Championship with Auckland.

“Joining the Scarlets is an opportunity I’m incredibly excited about,” Allen said.

“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 is the seventh summer addition for Scarlets, with 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 all joining.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

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