Scarlets star signs for Top 14 French club with immediate effect
Scarlets back rower Carwyn Tuipulotu has signed for Top 14 side Pau with immediate effect.
The 23-year-old will head to the south of France to provide injury cover as a 'medical joker' with the club, who are currently 10th in the Top 14, for the rest of the season.
The promising Welshman has recently been on loan with English heavyweights Saracens, coming in on a short-term loan deal. Now that he's heading to France immediately, there'll be no west Wales send off for the young man.
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Tuipulotu made 48 appearances for Scarlets after making his senior debut for the club in 2020 against Ospreys. He was an U20s international with Wales but has not been capped at senior level, despite being identified early as a hugely promising talent.
“Firstly I would like to say that I’m very grateful to the coaches and the club for the past four years and for an opportunity to start my professional career," began Tuipulotu.
“As a kid coming straight out of school, I never would have dreamt of the memories I’ve made here at Parc y Scarlets alongside meeting some incredible people during my time here.
“I would also like to thank the S&C (Strength and Conditioning) and medical staff for their hard work behind the scenes helping me along with my injuries and fitness to get me back on the field.
“I’d also like to say thank you to the Scarlets fans for the incredible support that you have in our team, supporting us through thick and thin. The atmosphere we had in the European quarter-final against Clermont will be something I will never forget!
“Finally, I just want to give the Thanks & Glory to God for the blessings and opportunities at this club. I’m grateful for the love and support I’ve received from the management team and staff, fellow team-mates and the supporters, and for all the lessons and growth it has brought me over the years, I wish Scarlets nothing but success in the future. Diolch.”
Scarlets boss Dwayne Peel added: "Carwyn has been a valued member of our squad throughout his time here. It is a great opportunity for him to play in the top tier in France and I am sure everyone here at the Scarlets would like to thank him for how he has represented this club and wish him well with this next chapter of his career.”
Tuipulotu is the son of former Tonga international Katilimoni, who played for Dunvant and Neath in Wales. Before joining Scarlets, Tuipulotu was part of the Newcastle Falcons academy after studying at Sedbergh School, and was picked up through the Welsh Exiles programme.
