Crusaders and All Blacks forward Cullen Grace to join Scarlets

One of the most respected forwards in New Zealand rugby, Grace arrives in West Wales with a reputation built on professionalism, consistency and a relentless competitive edge developed within the Crusaders environment.

Capable of playing across the back row and at lock, the 26-year-old has established himself as a key figure for both the Crusaders and Canterbury, combining physicality, athleticism and rugby intelligence with the leadership qualities that have seen him captain one of New Zealand rugby's most successful provincial teams.

A former New Zealand Under-20 international, Grace progressed through the Crusaders Academy before making an immediate impact at Super Rugby level. His performances earned international recognition, earning his first All Blacks cap against Australia in 2020, while he has also represented the Māori All Blacks on three occasions.

Since making his debut for the Crusaders, Grace has amassed 68 appearances in one of the most demanding and successful environments in world rugby, earning a reputation as a player who consistently puts the team first, thrives under pressure and drives standards around him.

His arrival represents another significant addition to the Scarlets squad as the club continues to strengthen its playing group and performance environment ahead of the new season.

Scarlets interim Director of Rugby Nigel Davies said: "When we looked at the profile of player we wanted to bring into the club, Cullen stood out immediately. He is a proven performer, but what really impressed us was the person behind the player.

"When you speak to people who have worked with him, the same themes keep coming up – professionalism, competitiveness, leadership and a genuine desire to improve every day. Those qualities are hugely important to us as we continue to build our environment and drive standards across the programme.

"He comes from a culture where winning, accountability and continuous improvement are simply expected. That experience is incredibly valuable and something that will benefit not only our team on the field but also the players around him.

"At 26, Cullen is entering the prime years of his career. He has already achieved a huge amount in the game, but we believe there is still plenty more to come. We are delighted he has chosen to join Scarlets and I know our supporters will be excited by what he can bring to our jersey.”

Grace is equally excited about the challenge that awaits him in Llanelli.

He said: "Scarlets is a very proud rugby club with a great history and tradition and that was something that really appealed to me.

"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. From afar, you can see the passion that exists around the Scarlets and Welsh rugby and I'm excited to experience that first-hand."

"The style of rugby played in the URC and EPCR competitions and the quality of the competition was another big attraction for me. It is a challenge I am really looking forward to and I can't wait to get started."

Grace will join up with the Scarlets following the completion of Canterbury's National Provincial Championship campaign later this year. Having captained Canterbury during last season's competition, he remains committed to helping his province through the 2026 NPC season before making the move to West Wales.

Similar to Fletcher Anderson's arrival last season, the arrangement allows Grace to complete his commitments in New Zealand before joining the Scarlets environment, where he is expected to arrive following the conclusion of the NPC campaign in October.

Grace becomes the latest addition to a Scarlets squad that continues to evolve ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, bringing proven quality, leadership and winning experience to a group that combines established internationals with some of the most exciting young talent in Welsh rugby.

Grace is the seventh confirmed arrival as the squad prepares to return to pre-season training next week - prop Corey Domachowski, second rows Harvey Cuckson and Alex Groves, hookers John McKee and George Roberts and exciting young back-three player Isaac Murray-Macgregor are the others to have signed up.

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