Scarlets sign lock Groves and full-back Murray-Macgregor

Scarlets have signed second row Alex Groves from DHL Stormers and Welsh-qualified full-back Isaac Murray-Macgregor from New Zealand.

Murray-Macgregor, 20, joins Scarlets from the Canterbury and Crusaders pathway.

Former England Under-20s Grand Slam-winner Groves, 25, featured for Scarlets earlier this season as loan cover during two United Rugby Championship (URC) games in South Africa - starting against Lions and coming off the bench against Sharks.

Groves has also played for Bristol Bears, Sale Sharks and Western Province, and at 6ft 9in will add power and bulk to the Scarlets' pack, as well as being a key presence at line-outs.

"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.

"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."

Murray-Macgregor played for New Zealand Schools in 2023 and was involved in the Crusaders pre-season squad earlier this year.

He is Welsh-qualified through his mother, who is from Llanelli, and is the cousin of Wales and Scarlets centre Joe Roberts.

"I used to throw the ball around with Joe but never thought we may be at the same club together," said Murray-Macgregor.

"The west Wales connection makes this move really special for me and my family.

"I know I have a lot of hard work ahead, but I'm looking forward to getting started, and joining up with the squad."

Murray-Macgregor follows a similar path to Scarlets and Wales full-back Blair Murray who arrived from New Zealand in 2024.