Scarlets sign tight-head prop Chris Apoua

Scarlets have strengthened their front row ahead of the new season with the signing of experienced tight-head prop Chris Apoua.

The 34-year-old arrives at Parc y Scarlets after playing Super Rugby with Moana Pasifika and brings 85 senior appearances across New Zealand provincial and Super Rugby.

Chris Apoua Joins Scarlets Front Row

The Auckland-born prop, who is of Samoan heritage, began his provincial career with Northland before spending four seasons with Southland and later stepping up to Super Rugby with Moana Pasifika.

Weighing 119kg, Apoua has established a reputation as a powerful scrummager who can also contribute with ball in hand and around the field.

Scarlets Target More Power at Tight-Head

Director of Rugby Nigel Davies said adding greater power and physicality at tight-head had been a recruitment priority.

“Chris gives us something we’ve been very clear we need within the squad with power and physicality at tight-head. He brings experience from a different and demanding rugby environment that we believe will benefit the wider group.

“He’s a strong scrummager and a real competitor and what particularly attracted us is what he can give us around the field. He’s a powerful ball carrier, gets himself involved in the game and has the ability to get us across the gain-line."

Apoua Ready for New URC Challenge

Apoua said he was excited about the opportunity to play in the United Rugby Championship and EPCR competitions across Europe and South Africa.

He highlighted Scarlets’ history, passionate supporter base and strong rugby community as major attractions behind the move.

“I’m really excited to join the Scarlets and take on the fresh challenge of playing in the URC and EPCR competitions across Europe and South Africa.

"Scarlets is a proud club with a deep history and strong values and carries a reputation in New Zealand as having super passionate fans and a community entrenched in rugby. That’s something I want to be a part of".