Beirne to bolster Scarlets pack

The Scarlets have announced that lock forward Tadhg Beirne is the latest addition to the region’s pack for the forthcoming season.

Beirne, 24 from Co. Kildare, has this week arrived at the Scarlets from Irish province Leinster.

The promising young second row, who can also play in the back row, made his way through the age grade ranks at Leinster before being awarded with a place in the province’s academy programme.

A British & Irish Cup winner with Leinster, in 2013, and a Leinster Schools Senior Cup medal winner with Clongowes Wood College, in 2010, the 6’ 6” second row will bring ball playing capabilities as well as a physical presence to the Scarlets pack.

All four senior Leinster appearances have been against Welsh regions, including a cameo from the replacements bench in Leinster’s victory over Scarlets in October 2015.

Beirne represented Leinster Under 19s and 20s before going on to make ten appearances for Ireland U20s, including representing his country at the World Rugby U20s Championship. He has also represented Ireland 7s.

Commenting on the news Scarlets General Manager of Rugby Jon Daniels said: “Tadhg is an exciting young talent who we hope will continue to develop and progress here at the Scarlets. He will add strength in depth to the back 5 of the pack.

“He has made a brave move to leave Ireland to pursue a new challenge and further his rugby career but he’s an intelligent well rounded young man who I’m sure will thrive in our environment.”

Beirne added; “I was particularly impressed with what the region has to offer in terms of facilities off the field here at Parc y Scarlets when I came over to meet Jon, Wayne and the team. Scarlets have a wealth of talent and were unlucky to miss out on a play-off place last season but I’m excited by the ambition and am really looking forward to getting pre-season underway.”

Beirne is one of a number of new faces expected at the Scarlets ahead of the new season. Joining the region alongside Beirne will be Jonathan Davies, Rhys Patchell, Werner Kruger, Jonathan Evans, Rynier Bernardo, Dafydd Hughes and Shaun Evans as well as Johnny McNicholl who is due to arrive in the Autumn.

The following have also signed contract extensions ahead of the new campaign Aled Davies, Gareth Davies, James Davies, Emyr Phillips, Aaron Shingler, Scott Williams, John Barclay, Wyn Jones, Peter Edwards, Dylan Evans, Gareth Owen and Tom Williams.