Scarlets sign 120kg ex London Irish Welsh-qualified lock

The Scarlets have signed their second Welsh-qualified player this week by adding former Wales U20 lock Ed Scragg to their squad for next season.

The former Dragons academy product was playing for London Irish last season before their suspension, and went on to have a loan spell with Sydney University.

Despite being born and raised in England, the 22-year-old qualifies to play for Wales and represented them at age grade level. Alongside Taine Plumtree, who has been playing for the Blues in Super Rugby, he is the second player the Scarlets have signed this week who is eligible to play for Wales.

Scragg only spent one season at London Irish, having previously played for Cornish Pirates, Plymouth Albion and Cardiff Met University before the Exiles.

He will team up with the squad next month for pre-season training, and will be part of the restructured Senior Academy at the Scarlets

Upon signing, Scragg said: “It was sad to finish my time at Irish in the manner that it ended and I’d like to thank the club for the opportunity they gave me and wish everyone well for the next chapter.

“I am grateful to the Scarlets for giving me the chance to continue my professional career and I am excited about linking with a great club with a proud history when I return to Wales now that I have finished my time playing in Sydney.”

Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel added: "Ed is a talented young Welsh lock with a lot of potential. He has been gaining invaluable experience with Cornish Pirates in the Championship and more recently London Irish and is looking to continue his development with us at the Scarlets.

“We're looking forward to welcoming him to Parc y Scarlets when he returns from his spell playing in Australia.”