Scarlets' Lloyd to join Cardiff next season

Ioan Lloyd has won seven caps for Wales

Wales back Ioan Lloyd will join Cardiff from Scarlets for the 2025-26 campaign.

The Cardiff-born fly-half - who can also operate at full-back, wing and centre - started his professional career with Bristol Bears but joined Scarlets in 2023.

But he is set to compete with Callum Sheedy for the number 10 jersey at the Arms Park after becoming Cardiff's first signing ahead of next season, with Tinus de Beer expected to leave and join up with Dragons.

"Cardiff is my childhood club, which I dreamt of playing for growing up," said Lloyd.

"My earliest rugby memories are of watching the likes of Ben Blair, Casey Laulala, Paul Tito and Martyn Williams down at Cardiff Arms Park.

"So it's a massive honour to have the opportunity to join this great club. I think Matt's [head coach Matt Sherratt] philosophy and the style of rugby that Cardiff are playing suits my game, so I am excited to link up with the boys in the summer."

Lloyd is a product of the Cardiff pathway before becoming Bristol Bears' youngest ever player when he made his Gallagher Premiership debut as an 18-year-old, capping the occasion with a try.

He made 78 appearances for the English side before joining Scarlets in 2023 - where he has scored 221 points in 38 appearances so far.

"It is an ambition of ours to get as many Cardiff lads in our squad as possible," said Sherratt.

"Ioan, having played Dewar Shield with the likes of Teddy Williams, was at the top of that list of Cardiff lads that we wanted to bring home to the Arms Park.

"I was a big admirer of Ioan while he was at Bristol as he approaches the game with a really positive attitude and is the type of player that gets fans off their seats.

"He has now got a good amount of experience under his belt as a 10 in the URC (United Rugby Championship) and will be a key member of our squad and how we play over the next few years."