In a significant setback for the Scarlets, the club has announced the release of tight-head prop Chris Apoua following a ruptured Achilles tendon sustained during training. The 34-year-old forward, who joined the Welsh team in August from Super Rugby franchise Moana Pasifika, will be unable to participate in the upcoming 2026-27 season due to this serious injury.
Apoua's brief tenure with Scarlets was marked by high hopes, having played seven matches for Moana Pasifika in the 2026 Super Rugby season. His experience in provincial rugby in New Zealand with teams like Northland and Southland was expected to bolster the Scarlets' front row. However, the unfortunate injury means he will return to New Zealand to focus on recovery, as confirmed by a Scarlets statement wishing him well.
With Apoua's departure, Scarlets' Director of Rugby, Nigel Davies, will now be tasked with evaluating the market to find a suitable replacement to strengthen the team's front-row options ahead of the United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign. Currently, the squad includes Australian Archer Holz and Welsh internationals Henry Thomas and Harri O'Connor as senior tight-heads, providing some depth in the position.
Additionally, Scarlets have promising young talents Jac Pritchard and Yestyn Cook, who showcased their skills during the World Rugby U20 Championship this summer. Their performances could be crucial as the team navigates the challenges of the upcoming season without Apoua.
As the Scarlets prepare for the URC, they are also dealing with other injury concerns. Back-row forward Taine Plumtree, who signed with the team in 2023, is expected to miss the start of the season due to a shoulder operation but aims to return in time for the Nations Championship. The 26-year-old is targeting the double-header in South Africa against Stormers and Bulls later in October.
In addition to Plumtree, centre Johnny Williams is set for an October return following shoulder surgery, while fly-half Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, who suffered a quad injury during the World Rugby U20 Championship, is also on the mend. However, promising playmaker Elis Price is likely to miss the entire 2026-27 season after undergoing surgery for ruptured knee ligaments.
As the Scarlets look to adapt to these changes, they have confirmed that Wales flanker Josh Macleod will continue as club captain for a fourth consecutive season. The team is set to kick off their pre-season with three friendly matches, starting with Exeter at Sandy Park. They will also face Dragons and Saracens before beginning their URC campaign with a home derby against Cardiff on September 26.
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