Cullen Grace confirms move to Welsh club Scarlets

Cullen Grace has concluded his time with the Crusaders, with the loose forward set to join Welsh club Scarlets ahead of the 2026–27 season. 

After seven seasons in the red and black, Grace says the time is right to experience a new chapter offshore. 

“I was just a teenager when I came into this environment, so I’ve grown a lot both on and off the field in my time here. Red and black will always be a part of my life, and I’ll miss this place and the people here the most, but I’m excited for this move,” says Grace.  

At just 19 years old, Grace was the youngest player named in any New Zealand Super Rugby squad for his debut season in 2020. 

The Hawera-born forward first arrived in Christchurch as a standout from Timaru Boys’ High School. He represented New Zealand Secondary Schools, Canterbury Under 19, and the New Zealand U20 side, while also progressing through the Crusaders Academy. 

Grace made his provincial debut for Canterbury in 2019 and was recognised alongside Dallas McLeod as Canterbury Rugby A First Year Player at the Canterbury Rugby Awards that same year.

His rapid rise continued, earning him All Blacks selection in 2020, where he became All Black #1192 and debuted against Australia in Brisbane. He has also proudly represented the Māori All Blacks across multiple campaigns. 

Grace brought up his 50th Crusaders appearance in 2024, and while he’ll miss the place that’s given him so much, he’s looking forward to embracing a new challenge in the northern hemisphere. 

"Scarlets is a very proud rugby club with a great history and tradition and that was something that really appealed to me. It is a challenge I am really looking forward to and I can't wait to get started,” says Grace.  

Grace will remain in New Zealand through the 2026 NPC season, where he is committed to contributing to Canterbury’s campaign before making the move to Llanelli later in the year.