The Scarlets have strengthened their tight five ahead of the 2026-27 Vodacom URC season with the signing of a Stormers lock.
Former England U20 international Alex Groves will join the Welsh club after a season in Cape Town.
The 25-year-old made just one appearance for the Stormers during the 2025-26 campaign, coming off the bench in the Investec Champions Cup pool match against Harlequins in London. Earlier in the season, he spent time on loan at the Scarlets, featuring in two Vodacom URC matches.
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“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.
“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.”
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Groves, who stands 2.05m tall, said his previous spell with the Scarlets convinced him to make the move permanent.
“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.
“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.”
Croeso Alex
Scarlets are delighted to confirm the signing of second row Alex Groves from DHL Stormers.
Bydd y chwaraewr ail reng yn ymuno â’r Scarlets yn Llanelli yn yr haf.#YmaOHyd pic.twitter.com/au27G8Goho
— Scarlets Rugby (@scarlets_rugby) June 4, 2026
The post Scarlets sign Stormers lock appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Scarlets have strengthened their tight five ahead of the 2026-27 Vodacom URC season with the signing of a Stormers lock.
The post Scarlets sign Stormers lock appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
