Scarlets release new prop Apoua after torn Achilles

Scarlets have released summer signing Chris Apoua after the forward ruptured an Achilles in training.

The 34-year-old tight-head prop signed for the Llanelli-based club in August from Super Rugby side Moana Pasifika.

But the veteran, who has played provincial rugby in New Zealand with Northland and Southland, suffered a serious injury soon after linking up with Nigel Davies' squad and will miss the entire 2026-27 season.

"The club can confirm that Chris will be returning to New Zealand and we wish him well with his recovery," read a Scarlets statement.

Director of rugby Davies will now assess the market in a bid to add to his front-row options for the upcoming United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign.

Scarlets have Australian Archer Holz and Wales internationals Henry Thomas and Harri O'Connor on the books as senior tight-heads.

They are backed up by Jac Pritchard and Yestyn Cook, who featured for Wales at this summer's World Rugby U20 Championship.

Wales back-row forward Taine Plumtree is set to miss the start of the season after a summer shoulder operation, but should be back before the Nations Championship.

The 26-year-old is targeting the double-header in South Africa against Stormers on Saturday, 24 October and Bulls seven days later.

Scarlets have four fixtures before that tour with URC fixtures against Cardiff, Dragons and Benetton along with a Challenge Cup opener against Newcastle Red Bulls.

Centre Johnny Williams also had summer shoulder surgery and is set for an October return along with fly-half Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, who suffered a quad injury at the World Rugby U20 Championship.

The teenager will back up the Wales pair of Sam Costelow and Gareth Anscombe this season, but fellow promising playmaker Elis Price is likely to miss 2026-27 after surgery on ruptured knee ligaments.

Scarlets, who have confirmed that Wales flanker Josh Macleod will continue as club captain for a fourth season, play the first of three friendlies against Exeter at Sandy Park on Saturday (15:00 BST).

They host Dragons in Llandovery on Friday, 11 September (19:00 BST) and welcome Saracens to Llanelli on Friday, 18 September (19:30 BST).

Davies' side start the URC with a home derby against Cardiff on Saturday, 26 September (19:45 BST).