Chris Apoua is set to leave the Scarlets without playing a match

The Scarlets' summer signing Chris Apoua looks set to leave the club without playing a single game after suffering a catastrophic injury in training.

Apoua signed for the Scarlets from Super Rugby Pacific outfit Moana Pasifika a few weeks ago but the powerful tighthead prop suffered a serious Achilles injury while packing down for his first scrum which will rule him out for the entire season.

WalesOnline understands there was an injury clause in his contract and he looks set to return to New Zealand without playing a single game for the Scarlets.

This is a blow for the Scarlets who had made signing a tighthead prop a priority.

But it now looks like they will have to go back to the market for a replacement, although getting anyone of quality will be difficult with the new United Rugby Championship season kicking off this month.

The Scarlets still have numbers at tighthead with Australian Archer Holz, Wales internationals Henry Thomas and Harri O'Connor along with youngster Gabe Hawley on their books.

They also have Wales U20s props Jac Pritchard and Yestyn Cook on their books but they are expected to get the majority of their minutes this season for Super Rygbi Cymru clubs Llandovery and Carmarthen Quins.

Nigel Davies' side are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025/26 season and has made a number of new signings including All Blacks backrower Cullen Grace, former Wales outside-half Gareth Anscombe, Wales loosehead Corey Domachowski, Leinster hooker John McKee and Hurricanes lock Tom Allen, among others.