Cardiff Rugby Bolsters Front-Row Resources with Signing of Two International Tight-Heads
Cardiff Rugby have announced the signing of two international tight-heads, Javan Sebastian and Sam Wainwright, to bolster their front-row resources for the 2025-26 season. The Blue & Blacks have secured the services of Scotland international Javan Sebastian, who returns to Wales following two seasons at Edinburgh, and Sam Wainwright, who joins from the Scarlets.
According to Cardiff Rugby’s official website, the two new signings bring significant strength in depth to the tight-head side of the scrum, and will compete with Keiron Assiratti and Will Davies-King for the number three jersey. Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt expressed his delight in securing the services of Javan and Sam, saying: "We’re delighted to secure the services of Javan and Sam. 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."
Cardiff Rugby’s official website reports that Sebastian came through the ranks of Carmarthen and was part of the Scarlets academy, earning Wales honours at Under-16 and Under-18 level. However, the 30-year-old also qualified for Scotland through his father and spent time with Ayr and Glasgow Warriors during his formative years. He made the move to Edinburgh after making 68 appearances for the Scarlets, extending his tally of Scotland caps, but is now relishing the opportunity to return home to Wales.
In a statement to Cardiff Rugby’s official website, Sebastian said: "I’m really looking forward to joining such a great club. 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."
Meanwhile, Wainwright joins the Blue & Blacks following a three-year stint with Scarlets, where he made 50 appearances. He joined the Llanelli-based outfit from Saracens in December 2022, having progressed through Rhyl and District RFC and RGC 1404. Cardiff Rugby’s official website states that Wainwright brings a physical presence on the pitch, standing at 6ft 1ins and tipping the scales at more than 19 stone.
Wainwright told Cardiff Rugby’s official website: "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. 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."
Sherratt also praised Wainwright, saying: "Sam will add real depth and competition to the tight head position. 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."
The signings of Sebastian and Wainwright are a significant boost to Cardiff Rugby’s front-row resources, and will undoubtedly provide a welcome injection of talent and experience to the team. As Cardiff Rugby’s official website reports, the two new signings will be expected to make a major impact at the Arms Park in the coming season.
