Scarlets set to sign Wales and England international in boost for Gatland

The Scarlets are closing in on the signing of Wales tighthead Henry Thomas.

The 32-year-old's contract with former Top 14 winners Castres Olympique expires at the end of the season and WalesOnline understands the Scarlets are the front runners to secure his signature. Thomas was a shock inclusion in Warren Gatland's Rugby World Cup squad but after moving from Montpellier to Castres at the start of the season, this made him ineligible for Wales selection under the controversial 25-cap law.

But should Thomas complete his move to the Scarlets it would come as a big boost for Wales who struggled at the set-piece during the Six Nations. Wales were without experienced tighthead Tomas Francis during the Six Nations and it is unclear whether he has any desire to play international rugby again following his move from the Ospreys to French club Provence Rugby.

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The experienced Thomas, who previously won seven caps for England, enjoyed a strong career in the English Premiership with both Sale Sharks and Bath before helping Montpellier win the Top 14 in 2022. Thomas' signing would come as a significant coup for the Scarlets who have struggled up-front this season.

But Dwayne Peel has moved to strengthen the Scarlets pack with the signings of Scotland loosehead Alec Hepburn and South African hooker Marnus van der Merwe, while Australian second-row Max Douglas is set to sign from Japanese club Yokohama Canon Eagles. The Scarlets were expected to sign Australian tighthead Archer Holz from the Waratahs but that deal hit the rocks after the 24-year-old picked up an injury.

Now they have Wales prop Thomas in their sights, who is a player with the potential to strengthen the scrum, while he is also a powerful and dynamic ball carrier. The Scarlets have only won three games this season but will hope their summer recruitment will result in more victories next season.