Scarlets have landed a significant southern-hemisphere forward for next season after confirming Cullen Grace will join from the Crusaders ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
The Llanelli club announced the deal on 26 June, with the 26-year-old loose forward set to move to West Wales after completing Canterbury’s 2026 National Provincial Championship commitments. Scarlets said Grace arrives with the ability to cover the back row and lock, plus the standards built through 68 Crusaders appearances and an All Blacks debut in 2020.
Crusaders and All Blacks forward Cullen Grace to join Scarlets.
— Scarlets Rugby (@scarlets_rugby) June 26, 2026
Why Grace Changes Scarlets’ Pack Picture
This is not a depth punt. Grace gives Scarlets a prime-age forward with Super Rugby pedigree, lineout value and leadership experience as Canterbury captain. Nigel Davies framed the signing around professionalism, competitiveness and accountability, which matters for a squad trying to turn promise into weekly URC pressure.
Grace also called Scarlets “a very proud rugby club”, pointing to the URC and EPCR calendar as part of the attraction. That language matters: Scarlets are not just buying ball-carrying power, they are importing a player who has lived inside a winning Crusaders environment.
The timing is clean. Grace will finish the NPC season before arriving in October, mirroring the delayed integration route used for Fletcher Anderson. Scarlets open their BKT United Rugby Championship season against Cardiff at Parc y Scarlets on 26 September, making his arrival an early-season reinforcement rather than a pre-season project.
For more Welsh regional context, follow our Scarlets coverage and wider URC news.
