The Scarlets have added some South African muscle to their pack
The Scarlets have confirmed the signing of former England U20s Grand Slam-winning lock Alex Groves from the Stormers.
Standing at 6ft 9in, the South African-born Groves should add size and physicality to the Scarlets pack next season.
Groves played two games for the Scarlets on their South African tour earlier this season. He has previously played for Bristol Bears, Sale Sharks, Western Province and the Stormers.
An impressive line-out operator with a strong set-piece game, he will link up with the squad at Parc y Scarlets at a prime stage of his rugby career.
“Alex is exactly the type of player we wanted to bring into the squad,” said Scarlets interim director of rugby Nigel Davies.
“He has excellent size, athleticism and set-piece presence, but what really impressed us was his appetite to compete and improve.
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“He is still only 25 years of age, has come through robust rugby environments at Bristol, Sale and the Stormers and we believe there is a lot more growth to come in his game.
“We have been very clear that strengthening the tight five is a key priority for us. Rugby is still built on winning collisions, dominating set-piece and creating a platform for the rest of the team and Alex helps us in all of those areas.
“We are building genuine competition within our second-row group and that is important in helping drive standards which drives performance.
“Alongside experienced players like Sam Lousi, Harvey Cuckson and the younger players coming through, Alex will help create a stronger and more competitive environment.
“He spent time with us in South Africa earlier this season and fitted into the environment immediately. He understood what the Scarlets is about, he enjoyed the environment and we were equally impressed with him.
“We believe he has all the attributes to become a very important player for this club.”
The Scarlets are in need of a second-row with former Wales star Jake Ball and Australian Max Douglas leaving at the end of the season.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Scarlets permanently,” Groves said.
“Having had the opportunity to spend time with the club on loan earlier this season, I got a real feel for the environment, the people and the ambitions here, which made it an easy decision.
“My time with the boys gave me a great insight into the culture that’s been built within the squad. It’s a group that works hard for each other and I’m looking forward to becoming a part of that and contributing however I can.
“This move is a fresh challenge for me at an important stage of my career and I’m looking forward to pushing myself, developing my game further and testing myself in a new environment.
“I can’t wait to join everyone in Llanelli, meet up with the boys again and get stuck into pre-season.”
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