Cardiff Rugby has made a major statement in the front row, signing veteran prop Scott Sio from Exeter Chiefs. The 34-year-old former Australia international brings a wealth of experience to the Welsh capital, arriving just as the club bids farewell to Wales international Corey Domachowski, who is heading west to join Scarlets.

Sio, who now represents Samoa on the international stage, will join Cardiff this summer after four seasons with Exeter. With 74 caps for the Wallabies—including a start in the 2015 Rugby World Cup final—and two more for Samoa, he's no stranger to the biggest stages in rugby. His resume also includes appearances at the 2019 World Cup and a key role in helping Samoa qualify for the 2026 tournament, following in the footsteps of his father David, who played for Western Samoa in the 1991 World Cup.

"With this new opportunity I am looking to continue growing as an individual and player, while contributing to the club's aspirations," Sio said. "I am also hoping that I can bring my wealth of experience to this young squad, especially with props coming through, to help the club both on and off the field."

At Cardiff Arms Park, Sio will compete for starting minutes with Danny Southworth and Rhys Barratt, adding much-needed depth and leadership to a young squad. His durability is remarkable: 143 appearances for the Brumbies, 80 for Exeter (including 13 starts this season), and over a decade of top-flight rugby.

Head coach Corniel van Zyl was clearly impressed. "We had a really open and honest conversation with Scott when we met him and we were really impressed," van Zyl said. "His career to date speaks for itself... He is durable, has played at the highest level and is keen to test himself in a new environment and competition."

Sio's arrival comes as Cardiff reshuffles its front row. Domachowski's departure follows Ed Byrne's exit—the loose-head returned to Leinster on a short-term deal after two injury-hit seasons with the Blue and Blacks. Sio is Cardiff's second confirmed signing after Namibia centre Le Roux Malan was brought in from the Sharks last week.

Off the field, Cardiff has also locked down key Wales internationals for the future, with Josh Adams, Alex Mann, James Botham, Mason Grady, Keiron Assiratti, and Southworth all signing new contracts. For a club looking to blend youth with proven talent, Sio's arrival is a powerful addition—both in the scrum and in the changing room.