3 days ago
Cardiff weigh up move for Wales U20s star from English giants
Cardiff weigh up move for Wales U20s star from English giants
The WRU are working hard to bring Welsh qualified players back to Wales from England
Former Wales U20s scrum-half Ieuan Davies
(Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency )
Cardiff are weighing up a loan move for Bath's Wales U20s scrum-half Ieuan Davies.
The 20-year-old impressed for Wales U20s last season but has found game time hard to come by at Bath who have the likes of England international Ben Spencer ahead of him in the pecking order.
And while no deal has yet been completed, WalesOnline understands Cardiff have shown strong interest in bringing Davies to the Arms Park on loan next season.
The Welsh Rugby Union have put a huge focus on repatriation as part of the One Wales strategy and want Welsh-qualified players plying their trade in England to return home. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
This has already begun with Steff Emanuel and Tom Bowen returning to Cardiff last season, while England U20s World Cup winner Ioan Jones recently signed for the Scarlets from Gloucester.
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Davies is one of a number of young players they'd like to see play in Wales, with props Ioan Emanuel (Bath) and Sam Scott (Bristol Bears) two others.
The likes of Aidan Boshoff, Joe Jenkins, Kenzie Jenkins and Luke Evans are the calibre of young player the WRU wants to attract back to Wales.
England U20s World Cup winner Kane James - who also qualifies for New Zealand and Wales - is another who should be targeted for a move to Wales. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
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If Davies does join Cardiff he will face stiff competition from the likes of Wales internationals Aled Davies and Ellis Bevan, along with South African number nine Johan Mulder for a place in the team next season but is viewed as a player with bags of potential.
The man who started his rugby journey at South Gower RFC and has also represented England U18s is a dangerous runner with a strong kicking game.
Cardiff and Bath are fostering a strong relationship after the west country outfit allowed the Welsh club to take Wales U20s centre Louie Hennessey on loan for periods of this season.
