Scarlets sign Welsh-qualified full-back Isaac Murray Macgregor

Scarlets are delighted to announce the signing of Welsh-qualified full-back Isaac Murray-Macgregor.

The 20-year-old joins the club from the highly respected Canterbury and Crusaders pathway in New Zealand, one of the most recognised player development environments in world rugby.

A talented full-back who can also operate across the backfield, Murray-Macgregor has been exposed to elite rugby development environments across age-grade, provincial and Super Rugby development level

He was selected for the New Zealand Schools side in 2023, starting at full-back against Australia U18, and was also part of the Westlake Boys High School team that won the World Schools Festival in Thailand later that year.

More recently, he has continued his development within the Canterbury system, representing Canterbury B and being named in the Crusaders U20 squad for the 2025 Super Rugby U20 tournament. He was also involved in the Crusaders’ pre- season squad earlier this year.

Importantly for the Scarlets, Murray-Macgregor is Welsh-qualified through his mother, who is from Llanelli. He’s also a cousin of Wales international and Scarlets centre Joe Roberts.

Interim Director of Rugby Nigel Davies said: “Isaac is a player we are genuinely excited about.

“This is not just a signing based on potential; it is a signing based on the quality of environment he has come through, the level of rugby exposure he has already had and the characteristics we believe he can bring to Scarlets now and in the future.

“He has grown up in a Canterbury and Crusaders system that is known throughout the game for developing smart, skilful and highly-competitive players. That background matters because players from those environments are used to high standards, detail and accountability from a young age.”

Davies believes Murray-Macgregor fits the profile of player Scarlets want to bring into the environment and advance. The signing forms part of Scarlets’ wider strategy of identifying talented young players with the ability, character and ambition to grow within the club’s rugby programme.

“Isaac is athletic, brave, competitive and comfortable playing with the ball in space. He has good backfield instincts, strong aerial qualities and a willingness to involve himself in the game.

“He gives us another exciting option in the backfield and brings a different rugby experience into the group.

“What also stood out was his attitude. He wants to improve, he wants to challenge himself and he sees Scarlets as the right environment to take the next step in his career.

“He has come through a high-quality development pathway and now has the opportunity to connect that with his Llanelli roots here at Scarlets, which gives the signing added meaning.

“We want to build a squad with a strong core of Welsh talent, as well as being smart and creative in identifying players who can add value to what we are building.”

Speaking about joining Scarlets, Isaac Murray-Macgregor said: “I’m really excited to be joining Scarlets.

“It’s a club with a proud history, passionate supporters and a strong identity. From the conversations I’ve had, it’s clear there is a real ambition around where the club wants to go.

“My mum is from Llanelli, so the West Wales connection makes this move really special for me and my family.Also growing up I used to throw the ball around with Joe (Roberts) - but never thought we may be at the same club together!

“I know I have a lot of hard work ahead, but I’m looking forward to getting started, joining up the squad, learning from the coaches and a brilliant group of senior players and doing everything I can to contribute.”

Murray-Macgregor will link up with the squad ahead of pre-season.