Sport: Rugby Country: South Africa Category: Scores & Results

Scarlets release Chris Apoua after training Achilles injury

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 11:45 AM

Last updated Sep 4, 2026

Scarlets release Chris Apoua after training Achilles injury

Summary

Scarlets have released tight-head prop Chris Apoua following a ruptured Achilles sustained in training. The 34-year-old signed with the Llanelli-based club in August after his tenure with Super Rugby side Moana Pasifika. Due to the severity of the injury, Apoua is returning to New Zealand and will miss the entirety of the 2026-27 season. Director of rugby Nigel Davies is now reviewing front-row options to bolster the squad ahead of the United Rugby Championship campaign. Scarlets retain senior tight-heads Archer Holz, Henry Thomas, and Harri O'Connor, alongside academy prospects Jac Pritchard and Yestyn Cook. The club has three pre-season friendlies scheduled, starting with an away match against Exeter this Saturday.

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Status Watch

•Chris Apoua ruptured his Achilles shortly after joining the squad in August.
•The 34-year-old prop will miss the entire 2026-27 season and is returning to New Zealand.
•Nigel Davies is currently evaluating the market for additional front-row cover.
•Scarlets open their United Rugby Championship campaign against Cardiff on September 26.
•Josh Macleod remains club captain for the fourth consecutive season.

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