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Scarlets sign Scotland international Craig
By Ian Cameron
Scarlets have announced the signing of Scotland international second row Alex Craig for the upcoming 2023-24 season.
The 26-year-old, originally from Dumfries, is making the move from English Premiership team Gloucester, where he progressed through the Academy ranks.
After an impressive campaign with Hartpury RFC, Craig secured a permanent deal with Gloucester in 2019 and went on to make 49 appearances for the club. His standout performances earned him a call-up to represent Scotland in the 2021 Six Nations, where he made appearances off the bench in the victories over Italy and France under the guidance of coach Gregor Townsend.
Craig has also represented Scotland in the U20s Six Nations and Junior World Championships. The addition of Alex Craig adds depth and talent to the Scarlets' roster, and the club is excited to have him on board for the upcoming season.
“Alex is a young, athletic lock, who will add international quality to our pack of forwards," said Scarlets Head Coach Dwayne Peel. "I’m looking forward to seeing him play and it's been great to welcome him to Parc y Scarlets for our first day back."
Craig said: “This is a fresh start playing in an exciting competition that is the URC. Scarlets are a big club with a proud fan base and play a real exciting brand of rugby. I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Craig becomes the fifth confirmed addition to the Scarlets ranks for the 2023-24 season. Wales international Ioan Lloyd has signed from Bristol Bears; wing Tomi Lewis is returning to Parc y Scarlets following a successful season with Jersey Reds in the English Championship, while Loughborough University title winners Teddy Leatherbarrow and Charlie Titcombe have also linked up with the squad.
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Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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