Matt Sherratt has added two internationals to his squad ahead of next seasonWainwright has joined Cardiff ahead of next seasonWainwright has joined Cardiff ahead of next season(Image: Ben Evans/Huw Evans Agency)

Cardiff Rugby have announced the double signing of international tighthead props Javan Sebastian and Sam Wainwright.

Scotland international and former Scarlets player Sebastian returns to Wales after spending two seasons with Edinburgh, while four-cap Wales front row Wainwright makes the move from Parc y Scarlets to the Arms Park, having spent three years in Llanelli since moving from Saracens. The pair will now compete with Keiron Assiratti and Will Davies-King for the starting number three jersey for Matt Sherratt’s side from next season.

“We’re delighted to secure the services of Javan and Sam,” said Sherratt as the double signing was confirmed. “Javan has gone away from Wales and developed as a person and a player, picking up international experience.

“He is technically excellent around his set piece and will add to the Cardiff game model with his work in open play.

“Sam will add real depth and competition to the tight head position,” he added. “He has very good experience for a 27-year-old – playing in the English Premiership at Saracens and the URC with the Scarlets, while gaining international experience.

“He has a real passion for the set piece and a great work ethic that will enable him to add to our game model. We look forward to welcoming both players and their families to Cardiff.”

Wainwright – who made 50 appearances during his stint with the Scarlets – said that he had heard “nothing but good things” about the capital city region as he spoke of his excitement at joining Sherratt’s squad. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.

“Myself and my family are really grateful for the opportunity Cardiff have given us and we are really looking forward to coming to the capital and linking up with such a great team, with so much history,” he said.

“We have heard nothing but good things about Cardiff. It is a great environment for players and their families, which was a big reason for signing.”

Sebastian, who represented Wales at U16 and U18 level but has won 10 caps for Scotland after qualifying through his father, added that he was “looking forward to calling the Arms Park home.”

“I’m really looking forward to joining such a great club,” he said. “I have seen what they have been building at Cardiff over the last couple of years and it’s really exciting.

“Moving closer to home and family is also nice and I’m looking forward to giving 100% for the jersey.

“I know a lot of the boys there, so it will be awesome to catch up with a few of the guys I have grown up with in Wales, playing with and against.

“I’m also looking forward to calling the Arms Park home. It’s always a really special place to play with an awesome crowd.”

Sebastian and Wainwright are the latest players to sign for Cardiff ahead of next season, with deals already confirmed for Wales internationals Taine Basham and Ioan Lloyd as well as locks George Nott and Tom Cottle.