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Cardiff Rugby have confirmed the signing of the experienced Wallaby ahead of the 2026/27 season
Cardiff Rugby have announced the signing of Scott Sio from Exeter Chiefs.
The highly-experienced Wallaby, who has been capped 74 times by Australia, becomes the club’s second signing of the summer for Corniel van Zyl’s side.
Loosehead Sio has spent the majority of his career Down Under, where he made 143 appearances for ACT Brumbies. For the past four seasons he has been plying his trade at Sandy Park in the Gallagher Prem but will now swap Devon for the Welsh capital following the conclusion of his contract.
It is quite the coup for the Arms Park outfit, with Sio set to compete with Rhys Barratt and Danny Southworth for a place in the starting XV, while he will also take on a mentoring role for the duo.
He said: “I’m super excited to be joining Cardiff, who have such a rich history with so many world class players having worn the blue and black.
“With this new opportunity I am looking to continue growing as an individual and player, while contributing to the club’s aspirations.
“I am also hoping that I can bring my wealth of experience to this young squad, especially with props coming through, to help the club both on and off the field.
“I have been impressed by what I have seen and heard so far, and I can’t wait to get stuck in next season and meet the passionate fans.”
Van Zyl added: “We are really pleased to bring a player of Scott’s calibre and experience to the club.
“We had a really open and honest conversation with Scott when we met him and we were really impressed.
“His career to date speaks for itself, 74 Tests for Australia, two for Samoa, over 100 games for Brumbies and 80 for Exeter.
“He is durable, has played at the highest level and is keen to test himself in a new environment and competition.
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“He is very good at set-piece – scrum, maul and lineout is his bread and butter but around the pitch he has all the attacking and defensive qualities you need, combined with a good temperament and understanding of the game.
“Further to this, his experience can really add to our group, helping the likes of Danny, Rhys and our other young props, while driving standards across the group.
“From the meeting it was very clear that Scott wants to add to the environment and he will have a voice in the group.
“We want to bring in players that are good people, who can add to us on and off the pitch and Scott certainly ticks all the boxes.”
Cardiff, who are still eyeing a place in the URC play-offs, have also managed to tie down key players in recent weeks, with Mason Grady, Josh Adams and Alex Mann, among others, committing their futures to the Blue & Blacks.
