Cardiff sign ex-Australia prop Sio from Exeter

Prop Scott Sio started for Australia in the 2015 World Cup final defeat by New Zealand [Rex Features]

Cardiff have signed former Australia loose-head prop Scott Sio after the loss of Corey Domachowski to Scarlets.

The 34-year-old front row will join this summer after four seasons with Exeter Chiefs.

The 74-times capped Wallaby, who now plays for Samoa, will move to Cardiff Arms Park to battle with Danny Southworth and Rhys Barratt for starts.

"With this new opportunity I am looking to continue growing as an individual and player, while contributing to the club's aspirations," said Sio.

"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."

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Sio won 74 caps for Australia, starting in the 2015 Rugby World Cup final and also featuring in the 2019 tournament, before switching to Samoa last year.

He helped them qualify for the 2026 World Cup and will aim to follow in the footsteps of his father David, who played for Western Samoa in the 1991 edition.

Sio played 143 times for Brumbies before moving to Exeter in 2022 and has so far made 80 appearances for the Chiefs, including 13 starts this season.

"We had a really open and honest conversation with Scott when we met him and we were really impressed," said head coach Corniel van Zyl.

"His career to date speaks for itself, 74 Tests for Australia, two for Samoa, over 100 games for Brumbies and 80 for Exeter.

"He is durable, has played at the highest level and is keen to test himself in a new environment and competition."

Domachowski is moving west while Ed Byrne has already left to return to Leinster on a short-term contract after two injury-hit seasons.