Scotland prop Alec Hepburn to join Scarlets

Scarlets have announced the signing of Scotland prop Alec Hepburn ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Hepburn played for local club Henley Hawks and then joined the Wasps Academy. He also had a brief loan stint with London Welsh before returning to his native Perth joining local team Cottesloe.

The 31-year-old has featured in 179 appearances for the Chiefs and was part of the squad that won the double of Premiership and Champions Cup in 2020.

He also had represented England Under 20 side in the past and was called up to the Six Nations squad by Gregor Townsend and came off the bench in the victory against Wales.

“After nearly 10 years playing at Exeter Chiefs, I feel the time has come for a new challenge," he told the club's official website.

“Signing for the Scarlets is an exciting opportunity to try and prove myself in a different league, against different teams and players alike.

“I look forward for what’s to come, meeting the players and coaches and working in a new environment for the upcoming season in the URC.”

Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel is delighted to have services of Hepburn.

“We are delighted to sign a player with the reputation of Alec, who has been a big part of Exeter’s success story in recent years.

“He is an international forward who brings a huge amount of experience at club level and someone who will strengthen our front-row resources and help develop an exciting young group of Welsh prop forwards coming through at the club.

“He has a reputation as a strong scrummager and dynamic carrier and we feel he will fit in well with the way we are looking to play the game.”