Versatile talent Evan Minto backed to kick on with Dragons
The 19-year-old from Pontypool has had a busy and encouraging season that has earned a new senior academy contract with the Rodney Parade club.
Minto featured for the Dragons in pre-season, made an appearance for Pontypool in Super Rygbi Cymru and then got experience with Hartpury on loan.
His efforts led to a senior debut in the Challenge Cup win at Newcastle then a first United Rugby Championship outing against Glasgow.
Minto also caught the eye in the U20 Six Nations, even if it was soon-to-be Dragons teammate Harry Beddall that got most of the plaudits for his huge tackle count from openside.
'Evan was brilliant and maybe went under the radar a bit,' said Wales head coach Richard Whiffin. 'He had a high output on both sides of the ball and I was really impressed with his running lines.
'He played for Hartpury and stepped up to the challenges in BUCS and the English Championship, then got that opportunity with the Dragons to give him confidence going into Six Nations camp.
PROMISING: Evan Minto on the charge for the Dragons (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)
'He knows when to turn it on and off, he is a fun character in the group but come game time he is very smart and a good tactical leader.
'He has a 'follow me' type of attitude and is very good technically, playing a lot bigger than his weight, which will naturally develop as he gets older.'
Minto played number eight for the Under-20s but, like stalwart Harri Keddie before him, has the ability to feature at blindside or openside.
'He's a good lineout forward, can jackal and carry well, so there is no need to pigeonhole him,' said Whiffin.
'It's great for a back row forward's career to be comfortable in all three positions; Evan is highly selectable and can be a help for coaches with those attributes.'
Minto, lock Nick Thomas, wing Harry Rees-Weldon, fly-half Harry Ford and loosehead Owain James have all made Dragons debuts this season while also featuring for Wales Under-20s.
That has been down to injuries for senior figures, with Whiffin urging patience.
'They need to be given time and that's why I have been so impressed with [former Wales Under-20s full-back] Huw Anderson, who has gone in and really made a name for himself,' he said.
'They are learning in front of everyone but can use those tough moments. It needs to be remembered that these are young lads learning at the coal face.'
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