Scarlets have signed New Zealand back-rower Cullen Grace from Super Rugby side Crusaders.

The 26-year-old has made one Test appearance for the All Blacks, against Australia in 2020, while he has also represented the Maori All Blacks on three occasions.

Grace will miss the start of the 2026-27 United Rugby Championship (URC) season and link up with Scarlets in October, following the completion of Canterbury’s National Provincial Championship campaign later this year.

“When we looked at the profile of player we wanted to bring in, Cullen stood out immediately,” said Scarlets interim director of rugby Nigel Davies.

“He is a proven performer, but what also impressed us was the person behind the player.

“At 26, Cullen is entering the prime years of his career and has already achieved a huge amount in the game.

“We believe there is more to come and are delighted he has chosen to join Scarlets.”

Grace is the seventh Scarlets signing after prop Corey Domachowski, locks Harvey Cuckson and Alex Groves, hookers John McKee and George Roberts and back-three player Isaac Murray-Macgregor.

Scarlets’ departures include Marnus van der Merwe, Alec Hepburn, Tom Rogers, Jake Ball, Max Douglas and Jarrod Taylor.

Skipper Josh Macleod, Fletcher Anderson, Gareth Davies, Jac Davies, Dan Davis, Sam Lousi, Will Evans and Harri O’Connor have signed new deals.

“Scarlets is a proud rugby club with a great history and tradition and that was something that appealed to me,” said Cullen.

“I am looking forward to coming over, learning, growing my game and doing everything I can to contribute to the club, its rugby group, the supporters and its legacy.”

Scarlets open their URC campaign with a home Welsh derby against Cardiff on Saturday, 26 September.