Dragons RFC are pleased to announce talented homegrown hooker Sam Scarfe has signed a senior contract to remain with the club.
The converted back row has put in a string of impressive performances for Pontypool RFC in Super Rygbi Cymru this season.
A product of Penallta RFC, Scarfe made his senior debut against Glasgow in February 2024 and came off the bench against Montpellier in the EPCR Challenge Cup in December this season.
Scarfe also featured for Gloucester in the English Premiership on loan in May 2024.
The 21-year-old is a former Wales Under-20s international, scoring a memorable team try at home to Ireland in the 2023 Under-20 Six Nations.
“Sam converted to hooker from seven about four or five four years ago,” said Forwards Coach Sam Hobbs. “He was a very good seven and his body type is suited to being a modern-day physical hooker.
“With Pontypool, he played a huge amount of rugby in the Championship, which was a tough education, but now in the SRC he’s become a dominant force there and an outstanding prospect winning numerous player-of-the-match awards.
“I'm excited and believe next year will be a big season for Sam. His contact area is his superstrength and he’s developed his ball carrying while his set-piece is going really well.”
Scarfe said: “I’ve played lots of minutes and learnt a lot from Pooler this year with the help of top players and coaches, which has been great for me.
“Dragons is my home club and I want to represent the badge as much as possible.
“The club is in a good place so it would be great to get the minutes down at Rodney Parade.
“Filo (Tiatia) has helped me a lot this year in understanding the game in a different way and seeing the opportunities available. I’ve also enjoyed picking the brains of our experienced senior boys as I continue to develop.”
Head Coach Filo Tiatia added: “We’ve been pleased with Sam’s progress and the minutes he has also been able to secure for Pontypool in the SRC.
“He’s a hard-working young man who wants to keep improving, so we look forward to his continued development in our senior environment.”
Filo has helped me a lot this year in understanding the game in a different way and seeing the opportunities available. I’ve also enjoyed picking the brains of our experienced senior boys as I continue to develop...
