Scarlets have signed two of Loughborough University’s BUCS Super Rugby title winners ahead of the 2023-24 season.
Welsh-qualified back-rower Teddy Leatherbarrow, a Scotland U20s cap, and fly-half Charlie Titcombe, an England Students international, are to link up with the squad for pre-season training next week.
Leatherbarrow, 23, came through the Sale Sharks Academy, playing for the club in the Premiership Cup. He has represented England U18s and played for Scotland during the 2019 U20s Six Nations and Junior World Championships. After an outstanding campaign for Loughborough he was named in the BUCS team of the season.
Titcombe, 21, played for Leicester Tigers U18s and was at Worcester Warriors at the beginning of the 2022-23 season, starting against Gloucester in the Premiership Cup. A pivotal figure for the students, he was voted BUCS player of the season and like his team-mate Leatherbarrow, was named in the team of the season.
Both players were part of the Loughborough side that won the BUCS league title this year, with Leatherbarrow captaining the side.
Transition and Academy Head Coach Scott Sneddon coached both players at Loughborough before his switch to the Scarlets last season.
“Teddy was a standout in the Bucs super rugby programme,” said Sneddon. “He is a good ball carrier, a big threat over the ball defensively and a physical player on both sides of the ball. He is also a good leader whose actions people follow on the pitch.
“Charlie is a talented fly-half, a player of real potential that has shown maturity in the last couple of years. He has a good variety in his kicking game alongside a running threat.
“We are looking forward to welcoming both players to the squad when pre-season begins next week.”