Scarlets have released summer signing Chris Apoua after the 34-year-old tight-head prop suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in training. The injury will see Apoua miss the entire 2026-27 season, prompting his return to New Zealand.
Apoua had joined the Llanelli-based club in August from Super Rugby side Moana Pasifika. Following his departure, Scarlets director of rugby Nigel Davies is set to explore the market for additional front-row options ahead of the upcoming United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign.
In other injury news, Wales back-row forward Taine Plumtree is expected to miss the start of the season due to a summer shoulder operation, but is targeting a return in October. Centre Johnny Williams, who also underwent shoulder surgery, and fly-half Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, recovering from a quad injury, are also aiming for October comebacks. However, promising playmaker Elis Price is likely to miss the 2026-27 season after surgery on ruptured knee ligaments.
Scarlets are preparing for the new season with three friendlies, starting against Exeter at Sandy Park on Saturday. They will then host Dragons on Friday, 11 September, and welcome Saracens to Llanelli on Friday, 18 September, before kicking off their URC campaign at home against Cardiff on Saturday, 26 September.