Wales find a 6ft 8in teenage giant who loves to 'beat up' opposition players
Wales find a 6ft 8in teenage giant who loves to 'beat up' opposition players
Luke Evans is a player Welsh rugby bosses are getting very excited about
Giant Wales U20s lock Luke Evans in action against Italy U20s
(Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency )
There is a school of thought that Wales' struggles at senior level are down to a collective lack of size and power in the pack.
That may well be true right now, but the future looks far brighter — and far bigger — in that regard. Last Tuesday, Wales U20s invited journalists up to the Welsh Rugby Union's National Centre of Excellence to chat, and every member of the squad was put up for interview.
There were two things which stood out; the confidence of the players and the sheer size of many of the forwards who will be more than a match for the traditional heavyweights like England, France and South Africa at the World Rugby U-20 Championship this summer.
One such player is Exeter Chiefs second-row Luke Evans, who is 6ft 8in and 117kg.
The 18-year-old is one of a number of front five forwards Wales are excited about, with the likes of tighthead Sam Scott, loosehead Ioan Emanuel and hooker Harry Thomas among a plethora of players capable of mixing it with the stronger packs at U20s level.
Evans is keen to showcase his physical prowess and make his mark this summer. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
Article continues below
"There's a lot of big lumps everywhere you go but I think in this group we've got some very big boys," Evans told WalesOnline.
"You've got the likes of Sam Scott and Ioan Emanuel in the front-row while we've got some big boys at lock who can front up.
"Even the not so big ones back themselves on physicality so taking on the bigger packs isn't going to be a worry for us this summer.
"We aren't going to use size as an excuse.
"That's a bit of an oversight by the public because we back ourselves to beat teams physically.
"We are alright size wise."
Wales U20s will need their pack to be dominant from the outset this summer with Argentina U20s and France U20s - two of the most powerful forward packs - in their pool.
Evans is champing at the bit to get stuck into both teams.
"I love being able to front up to someone and beat them up legally on the field of play," said Evans.
"Size does help but I love that aggressive side of the game being physical and getting stuck in.
"That's my favourite part. My work rate is non-negotiable.
"I work as hard as I can and I'm as physical as I can be.
"As a second-row the set-piece is huge but it doesn't get you everything so being dominant in the set-piece is important.
"But I think my point of difference is around the park. I will be very busy in defence and attack.
"I like to get my hands on the ball as much as possible and make as many tackles as I can. I relish the physical side of things and like to be as aggressive as I can."
Luke Evans of Wales
(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd )
Big things are expected of Evans over the next few years.
After playing his junior rugby for Llanharan RFC and Pontyclun RFC, Evans made his debut for Wales U18s at just 16 years of age.
Such was his potential Evans took up an offer to join the Exeter Chiefs academy and was included in the England U18s squad.
The WRU were not prepared to lose a player of his quality so pulled out all the stops to get him back involved in the Welsh set-up.
Evans was born in Jersey so is eligible to represent all four of the home nations but makes it very clear his allegiance lies with Wales.
"I was only out there (Jersey) for a year but it managed to make me eligible for four different countries but I count myself as Welsh through and through," he said.
"All my family are Welsh and this is where I want to play my rugby.
"As a kid I always wanted to play for Wales.
"Having said that opportunities do come and if its right for you you've got to take them, but my childhood dream is to play for Wales.
"When I played for Wales U18s I was quite lucky in that I was 16 playing for those.
"I went down to Exeter. I captained Exeter U18s in the academy league when I had a few chats with the England coaches.
"I never actually played for England U18s. I went to a few camps but I picked up an injury so didn't manage to play.
"At the time it was the best for my progression.
"Nothing against Wales because I am Welsh through and through and want to play for Wales.
"I just think at the time it did help my progression both physically and rugby wise. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
"It was a tough decision at the time to go and choose England but at that time it felt right and was the best thing for my progression into Exeter and international.
"I think I came through it a better player."
Evans will study Sports Science at Exeter University from September and should get game time in the Bucs Super League while he will also train with the senior Exeter Chiefs squad.
This is a well-trodden path with senior Wales internationals Dafydd Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza having progressed through the same pathway.
Exeter Chiefs have endured their worst season in its Premiership history and there will naturally be a changing of the guard next season.
Evans wants to follow in Jenkins' footsteps by breaking into the Chiefs side and representing Wales over the next few years.
"I remember speaking to Rob Baxter before I signed for the club and what he said was if you are good enough you will play regardless of your age," he said.
"I know some coaches like to back experience but he's keen to give youth its chance.
"As you've seen this season even though we weren't doing so well he was still picking the youngsters.
"When I get the chance to go in and train with the likes of Daf Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza who are down there in my position it's great to compete and train with that level of player.
"It's great to go at them, work hard, compare myself to them and try to compete with the best.
"You see what he's (Daf Jenkins) done and how quickly it has all happened. I think it shows it is possible. Being around him and just picking things up in training or little things in games is invaluable.
"Everyone knows his main strength is his physicality and that's how I want to be like as well. So, I think learning from him, being physical and just picking up things is really helpful.
"If I want a little catch up I know he's there to speak to. Learning off him is great and is a perfect pathway for me to hopefully follow in his footsteps and do what he's done."
Evans comes from a family of athletes, with his father, David, an outstanding squash player who was once ranked number three in the world and represented Wales at three Commonwealth Games.
He also won the British Open event in 2000.
His grandfather Derrick also played top class rugby for Cross Keys.
Evans has learnt a great deal from his father and grandfather and is confident Wales U20s can compete to win the U20s World Championship this summer.
"My dad comes to all of my games as does my grandad," he said. "It's good for them to give me advice.
"He (his dad) doesn't speak about it too much but when I speak to other people they all say he was pretty good. Our family is built on working hard and grafting.
"We might not be the most skilful but we work hard and that's what we pride ourselves on hard work and physicality.
"If we (Wales U20s) aren't going there to win it then it's pointless going out there. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
"For us we are going out there to win it.
Article continues below
"We will back ourselves as you saw during the Six Nations where we beat last year's world champions (England).
"We know as a group we can pick ourselves up and beat anyone in a one off game. Of course, it is going to be tough out there with quick turnarounds but we do back ourselves to beat anyone in a one off game."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
Ex-Swansea and Wales defender Lewis dies aged 62
Swansea City great Dudley Lewis has died at the age of former defender, who was capped once by Wales, made 300 appearances for the Swans, scoring two goals, and was part of the side that famously beat Preston North End on 2 May, 1981 to earn promotion to the top played for hometown club Swansea from 1980 to 1989 before leaving for Huddersfield Town. He also played for Wrexham, Halifax Town, Torquay United, Inter Cardiff and Carmarthen signed apprenticeship forms at Vetch Field, Lewis captained Wales at the European Youth Championships in Germany in talent was recognised by then Swansea manager John Toshack, who handed Lewis his first-team debut in February 1981 in an away fixture at Notts County and the youngster established himself in the first-team squad for the remainder of the folklore says that after the final whistle went against Preston, Toshack ran on to the pitch and made a beeline to hug Lewis after the then teenager's composed Swansea's inaugural season in the old First Division, Lewis found his first-team opportunities restricted following the signing of Colin Irwin from Liverpool and he featured only once, playing in the final game of the season against European Cup winners Aston with financial problems besetting the club's second season in the top flight forcing the departure of a host of senior players, Lewis became a Swansea he represented Wales Under-21s nine times, Lewis was capped just once at senior level - in Wales' 1-1 draw against Brazil at Cardiff's Ninian Park in June 1983."The Football Association of Wales (FAW) is sad to learn about the recent passing of former Cymru defender Dudley Lewis," an FAW statement said. "The thoughts of everyone at the FAW are with the family and friends of Dudley Lewis."After finishing his playing career, Lewis worked as a postman in and around the Sketty area of Swansea.
Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
'I won the Premier League at Chelsea, I'd love to join Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham'
A Premier League title winner with Chelsea says he would 'love' to sign for Wrexham AFC as their Hollywood fairytale continues. The Welsh club has enjoyed a meteoric rise up the English football pyramid after it was bought by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in 2020. Their exploits on the pitch and the exposure from documentary series Welcome to Wrexham has also given the team a huge global fanbase. Next season they will play in the Championship and many believe it is not a case of if but when they will be promoted to the Premier League. Their promotion to the second-tier has seen them linked with a number of high-profile players and a former Chelsea star has openly admitted he would love to be a part of Wrexham's story. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. 'Wrexham is a really interesting project, both on the pitch and everything that comes with it,' Asmir Begovic told Fruity King. 'I like working with good people and having watched the documentary, the owners seem like amazing guys. That is the sort of club I'd love to work with and the idea of Wrexham really interests me. 'If it's the right situation for everyone then who knows, it's an exciting project.' Begovic is a veteran of English football, making 256 Premier League appearances for Portsmouth, Stoke City, Chelsea, Bournemouth and Everton, and has just been released by the Toffees. The Bosnian goalkeeper made 33 appearances in two seasons for the Blues as understudy to Thibaut Courtois, helping the club win their last Premier League title in 2017 and reach the FA Cup final that same year. 'I'm on the lookout for a new club because I want to keep playing, I still feel amazing and I've got plenty left in the tank,' the 38-year-old continued. 'My Everton exit didn't come as a surprise. It wasn't a long-term solution and everybody understood the situation. I really enjoyed my time at the club. More Trending 'I've been really lucky with injuries and I've put a lot of time into looking after my body. I think you just get to a stage of your career when you are thinking about your family and what is best for them. It's about finding a solution that fits us all.' Ipswich – 5/4 Southampton – 7/4 Sheffield United – 21/10 Birmingham – 23/10 Coventry, Middlesbrough – 7/2 Wrexham – 11/2 Odds courtesy of Betfair Arsenal academy graduate Arthur Okonkwo is Wrexham's current No.1 keeper though a player of Begovic's profile and experience would in theory only benefit the squad. The Red Dragons had been linked with signing Jamie Vardy on a free but the Leicester City legend isn't interested. They are however reportedly close to loaning in Liverpool youngster Owen Beck with the left-back to be available once Arne Slot secures the £40million transfer of Milos Kerkez. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: The 'proven' striker Manchester United should sign instead of Viktor Gyokeres or Victor Osimhen MORE: £25m Chelsea star wanted by Premier League rivals amid uncertain future MORE: Juventus could offer £60m star to Man Utd in exchange for Jadon Sancho
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Parents accuse Catholic primary school of 'segregating' pupils who didn't pay for fundraising event
Parents have accused a Catholic primary school of 'segregating' pupils who did not pay for a fundraising event. Christ the King Primary School in Llanishen, Cardiff, held a sports day event during school hours last month which required a minimum entry fee of £1. But 59 children who didn't pay were stuck in their classrooms, while the other 139 pupils were involved in the games which included axe-throwing and archery. The fundraiser amassed £2,224 in total and some pupils paid considerably more to fund prizes such as a £119 holiday camp with Sports Xtra, who ran the event. Furious parents said the schoolchildren who were not involved 'were not even allowed to sit on the field and watch'. 'There are people out there who haven't got the money,' said one parent. 'Children who didn't raise anything were segregated from the event, which was done within school hours. I think it's about pressure: if you don't send the money, your child will not get to do anything. 'Some parents actually did transfer the money but their child was still excluded because they were told it was paid too late in the day. Surely this goes against how schools should make everyone feel included?' After coming under fire the school has vowed to review 'how we can best be more inclusive'. Further concerns were raised by parents over a potential conflict of interest because Sports Xtra is co-run by the husband of the school's deputy head. But the school insisted any funds raised will not go to the company, but towards future 'enrichment activities' for children at the school which 'includes but is not limited to Sports Xtra'. A Sports Xtra spokesman said: 'We have recently provided a free session to support the school's fundraising event. 'In addition to not getting paid for running the activities, we also donated over £1,433 worth of prizes for the fundraising. These included 1-2-1 football sessions, football sessions and free places for a week at our summer camps.' A notice ahead of the event stated children could 'win the following prizes' depending on how much money they raised: £119 for a week-long holiday camp with Sports Xtra £50 for a one-to-one session with a sports coach £33 for a Sports Xtra 'holiday day' £29 to take home a football £9 for a football session One parent said: 'I don't feel that providing options to the children on what they can receive for different amounts they raise should be listed as this puts so much pressure on parents when children are told what they will receive depending on the amount.' Ahead of the fundraiser the school said all money raised 'will be used for the schools sports programmes except costs incurred.' They added that footballs were 'the only physical prize so that was the only cost incurred' and that 'the other prizes were donated by Sports Xtra for free'. Responding to claims that children were 'segregated' for an hour, Christ the King said: 'There was no timeframe given on the event because it was not known how long it would take. It took 30 minutes for each class to complete the activity.' However, the school's headteacher has reportedly responded to complaints by saying they are 'truly sorry'. A school spokesperson added: 'The fundraising event was a 30-minute optional session, delivered by Sport Xtra at no charge to the school. 'The annual event enables the school to raise funds to supplement the school's budget so that it can deliver a programme of activities throughout the year, in addition to sport provided through the curriculum. 'Those wishing to take part in the optional 30-minute session were asked to pay £1, and they could also raise sponsorship money if they wished to, the proceeds of which again went towards the funds to help the school pay for the all-year-round programme of extra-curricular sporting activities. 'There was no obligation nor expectation from the school for the children to take part in the 30-minute fundraiser, and the children not taking part continued to follow the timetable for the day as normal. 'We ensure that all suppliers and service providers used by the school give value for money and quality provision.' Addressing what the money would go towards, the school said: 'Enrichment activities are additional provision [beyond PE lessons] delivered by a range of experienced and qualified external partners. This includes but is not limited to Sports Xtra.' Sports Xtra said: 'We have worked at Christ the King School for over 10 years and before the school's current leadership team were in post. 'As is always the case with these types of events, we do not get involved in decisions regarding attendance or how the money raised is spent. Those are made by the school. 'Our role was to support the fundraising and encourage young people to get involved in sports and be physically active. Our understanding is that all children in the school will benefit from the money raised.'
