The Hurricanes will lose another leading forward to Europe after former Waratahs lock Sam Lousi announced his pending departure for Welsh club Scarlets.

Powerful second-rower Lousi will join his former Super Rugby teammate Blade Thomson at Scarlets after completing his third and final season at the Hurricanes.

The 27-year-old has been sidelined with a pectoral injury and is unlikely to recover in time to play this season, ending a promising three-year stint during which he hinted at Test quality.

Auckland-born Lousi played rugby league in his junior years and made three appearances for the Warriors across three seasons before switching codes and joining the Waratahs for two years.

It continues an exodus for the Hurricanes, who are also losing fullback Nehe Milner-Skudder to Toulon next season, while Matt Proctor and Jeffery Toomaga-Allan will link with English clubs.

Last year they lost Julian Savea, Brad Shields, Michael Fatialofa and Thomson to European outfits.