The Welsh Rugby Union will be hoping to lure some of these back
A line in the Welsh Rugby Union’s recent One Wales strategy launch (or the second launch, depending on how you view it) happened to catch the eye of many.
In a section titled ‘Areas of reduced focus’ was the notion around ‘bringing all (marquee) male players back to Wales’. In terms of the rationale for that reduced focus, it read that the “consensus that we should be happy for some male players to pursue opportunities (monetary and performance) overseas, if there is no compelling offer in Wales”.
That might be a concern for the 25-cap rule down the line, if Welsh rugby is fairly accepting of players heading elsewhere.
However, there does still seem to be a focus on repatriating younger Welsh talent that currently plies their trade with English clubs.
Getting the likes of Dafydd Jenkins and Tommy Reffell, given the nature of their deals, seems unlikely, but there’s perhaps more green talent that could be lured back.
Recently, the Dragons snapped up Wales U20s captain Harry Beddall from Leicester, while they also announced deals for Wales U19s duo Codi Purnell and James Talamai from Bath and Saracens respectively.
But what other players could be lured back to Wales from over the border?
Kane James
The Exeter Chiefs’ back-rower is a player Wales would certainly like within their ranks. He also qualifies for England and New Zealand – having represented the former at U20s level – but hails originally from Haverfordwest.
Despite wearing the red rose on his chest at age-grade level, it’s understood that those within the WRU are quietly confident he’ll choose Wales moving forward.
Ioan Emanuel
The loosehead prop is the brother of Cardiff and Wales U20s centre Steffan Emanuel, who recently returned from Bath to join the Arms Park side.
Ioan has chosen to remain at Bath for the time being, but the robust scrummager will likely be on the radar of Welsh clubs.
Sam Scott
The Bristol Bears tighthead prop was seriously considered for last summer’s senior tour of Australia. However, the Wales coaches ultimately decided that participating in the U20s World Championship would be more beneficial for his growth.
Looked the part in the U20s Six Nations and, given the lack of tightheads in Wales, he’s bound to attract interest.
Aidan Boshoff
The Bristol Bears winger, who was raised in South Africa, is thought of highly by Wales’ management. Recently, Richard Whiffin tipped him, along with Tom Bowen and Harry Rees-Weldon, to break through into the senior game.
He has already turned out for the English club in the Premiership Cup this season, scoring two tries in as many appearances.
Jonny Green
The Harlequins lock qualifies for Wales through his mother’s Welsh heritage and has turned out for Wales U20s. Recently, he’s been turning out for London Scottish in the English Championship.
Already understood to have caught the attention of Welsh sides. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
Luke Evans
Another second-row tipped for a big future. Having initially represented England U18s, Evans has since opted to play for Wales U20s, making his debut in the recent U20s Six Nations.
The Exeter Chiefs lock qualifies for both countries, but Wales will be hoping that snaring him at U20s level will lead to a commitment once he moves to senior international rugby.
Osian Roberts
The Wales U20s centre was effective during the recent Six Nations. Hailing from Cardiff, Roberts is currently part of the Sale Sharks academy.
He should pique Welsh clubs’ interest.
Louie Trevett
Clearly, the Bristol Bears prop is on the radar of Welsh clubs – having recently signed on loan with the Scarlets as injury cover.
Having previously represented England at U18s level, but has now pledged his allegiance to his birth country – turning out for Wales U20s.
Kenzie Jenkins
Another at Bristol, the athletic lock made a strong impression for Wales U20s in the Six Nations.
Given there’s a significant focus in Wales on nurturing more physically imposing and athletic forwards who can carry effectively, the second-row is on Welsh clubs’ radars.
