EditorScarlets land shock signing of Crusaders No. 8 Fletcher Anderson to bolster injury-hit pack
The 22‑year‑old, who stands at 6ft 2in and 107kg, featured three times in the Crusaders’ title‑winning campaign and has been a standout for Tasman Makos in New Zealand’s NPC. His performances saw him sweep the club’s end‑of‑season awards — named Man of the Year, Player of the Year and Defender of the Year.
Rising Kiwi prospect
Anderson has built a reputation as a powerful ball‑carrier with a relentless work‑rate and abrasive defensive game. RugbyPass recently tipped him among the most promising under‑23 players in New Zealand rugby.
A former New Zealand Schools international, he captained his college first XV in 2020 before progressing through the Crusaders Academy and U20s, making his senior debut last year.
Peel: “A hugely talented forward”
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said:
“Fletcher is a hugely talented young New Zealand forward who has had an outstanding season for Tasman in the NPC and has already represented the Crusaders in Super Rugby. He is a powerful, abrasive carrier with a strong work‑rate in defence. We are excited about what he can offer us and look forward to welcoming him to Llanelli ahead of a massive block of fixtures for us in the URC and Champions Cup.”
Competition for places
Scarlets have endured a difficult start to the season, with injuries up front exposing their lack of depth. Anderson will now compete with the likes of Taine Plumtree, Josh Macleod, Jarrod Taylor, Ben Williams, Tristan Davies, Dan Davies, Dom Kossuth and Osian Williams for a place in the back row.
Anderson: “Excited to get to Llanelli”
Anderson said:
“I would like to thank Dwayne for the opportunity to join the Scarlets. I’ve heard very good things from other players in the squad about the direction the team is heading and I’m really excited to get to Llanelli and meet everyone. Last season was a step in the right direction making the play‑offs and I’m looking forward to hopefully playing a part in helping the team push on further this season.”
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