Scarlets have announced the signing of number eight Fletcher Anderson, who will join the United Rugby Championship (URC) side from Super Rugby outfit the Crusaders.<\/p>\n
The highly-rated 22-year-old played in three matches for the Crusaders in their recent title-winning season as the New Zealanders bounced back from a disappointing 2024.<\/p>\n
He went on to be named Man of the Year, Player of the Year and Defender of the Year for Tasman Makos in their 2025 National Provincial Championship (NPC) campaign.<\/p>\n
Promising talent<\/p>\n
As a schoolboy, Anderson captained his college first XV and was named in the 2020 New Zealand Schools team.<\/p>\n
He came through the Crusaders Academy and U20s side and made his debut for the Crusaders last year.<\/p>\n
Standing at 6ft 2in and 109kg, Anderson has been outstanding for Tasman this season, showcasing his powerful carrying, high work-rate, and aggressive defensive game.<\/p>\n
Lauding the player at their annual awards, the Makos said: \u201cA young and promising talent, Fletcher has already shown composure beyond his years, combining relentless work-rate with a true passion for the jersey. His impact on and off the field has been immense.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and snubbed Springbok star as rampant Stormers nil Scarlets<\/a><\/p>\n Scarlets<\/a> head coach Dwayne Peel said: \u201cFletcher 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.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is a powerful, abrasive carrier with a strong work-rate in defence.<\/p>\n \u201cWe 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<\/a> and Champions Cup.\u201d<\/p>\n Anderson will link up with the squad in November and is looking forward to turning out for the Welsh region.<\/p>\n Excited to join<\/p>\n He said: \u201cI would like to thank Dwayne for the opportunity to join the Scarlets.<\/p>\n \u201cI have heard very good things from other players in the squad about the direction the team is heading and I\u2019m really excited to get to Llanelli and meet everyone.<\/p>\n \u201cLast season for the Scarlets was a step in the right direction making the play-offs and I\u2019m looking forward to hopefully playing a part in helping the team push on further this season.\u201d<\/p>\n