Allen to make most of new challenge

New recruit Morgan Allen has said that the prospect of a new challenge and a move West to the Scarlets has opened his eyes and is looking forward to an exciting season with his new club.

The powerful ball carrier made 53 appearances for the Ospreys with his first regional appearance coming in 2011 scoring seven tries. He also represented Wales U18s and Wales U20s in the 2010 Six Nations and Junior World Championship.

Speaking about his first few weeks with the Scarlets Allen said; “It’s a change of environment for me but pre-season doesn’t really change wherever you go! I had five great years at the Ospreys but it was time for a change, a new challenge and an opportunity for me to keep on improving.

“The change of environment has opened my eyes a little bit and coming here has freshened things up a bit.”

Allen will be vying for the number 8 jersey at the Scarlets when the 2015-16 gets underway and said that the opportunity to pack down at the back of the scrum was motivation for his move; “I wouldn’t have moved otherwise; it seemed like a sensible choice all things considered and seemed like the best option for me.

“I’m 25 and still have a lot of rugby left to play. I haven’t played a lot of rugby the last 2 or 3 years so still feeling pretty fresh. I’m hoping to make the most of it now!”

With the Guinness PRO12 fixtures, up to and including round 12 confirmed last week, Allen will be hoping to be involved in the big Boxing Day derby clash against the Ospreys at Parc y Scarlets. He went on to say;

“It’ll be a bit of a difference experience having the fans shouting for me rather than against me! There’s a passionate group of fans here, it’s the biggest game of the year and I’m looking forward to it!”