Alex Craig leaves Gloucester and signs with Scarlets

Scarlets are delighted to announce that Scotland international second row Alex Craig has signed for the club ahead of the 2023-24 season.

The Dumfries-born 26-year-old is joining from English Premiership side Gloucester, where he came through the ranks of the Academy.

Craig was signed on a permanent deal by the Cherry and Whites in 2019 following an impressive campaign for Hartpury RFC and went on to represent the West Country club 49 times.

A standout season at Kingsholm saw him feature for Gregor Townsend’s Scotland during the 2021 Six Nations, where he came off the bench in the wins over Italy and France. Craig has also represented Scotland at the U20s Six Nations and Junior World Championships.

Scarlets Head Coach Dwayne Peel said: “Alex is a young, athletic lock, who will add international quality to our pack of forwards. I’m looking forward to seeing him play and it's been great to welcome him to Parc y Scarlets for our first day back."

Ahead of his first day of pre-season, Alex Craig said: “This is a fresh start playing in an exciting competition that is the URC. Scarlets are a big club with a proud fan base and play a real exciting brand of rugby. I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Craig becomes the fifth confirmed addition to the Scarlets ranks for the 2023-24 season. Wales international Ioan Lloyd has signed from Bristol Bears; wing Tomi Lewis is returning to Parc y Scarlets following a successful season with Jersey Reds in the English Championship, while Loughborough University title winners Teddy Leatherbarrow and Charlie Titcombe have also linked up with the squad.

Alex Craig

Position: Second Row & Back Row

Age: 26

Height: 198cm

Weight: 119kg

Honours: Scotland U20s, Scotland (2 caps)

Previous clubs: Hartpury RFC, Gloucester Rugby