Wales Land Giant Young Lock in Major Swoop from England Ahead of Six Nations
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Wales have pulled off a significant coup by securing the services of Exeter Chiefs’ towering second-row Luke Evans, beating England to the punch in a fierce tug of war.
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At just 18 years old, Evans' rugby journey has already seen plenty of twists and turns. Starting in Wales U18s, he crossed the border to represent England U18s last season. But now, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has brought the Llanharan Youth product back home, with Evans set to don the red jersey for Wales U20s this year.
6ft 8in of Potential
Evans, who qualifies for both Wales and England, may not yet be permanently tied to his birth nation, but his decision is a significant win for Welsh rugby. Standing at an imposing 6ft 8in, Evans boasts the physical attributes desperately needed in Wales’ second-row stocks.
A dominant lineout presence, a hard-hitting defender, and a powerful ball carrier, the Exeter Chiefs youngster has all the tools to make a real impact on the international stage.
Embed from Getty Images“Exactly What We Need”
Wales U20s head coach Mark Jones expressed his excitement at Evans’ return. Speaking to WalesOnline, Jones praised the efforts of WRU staff in bringing Evans back into the fold:
“We did a lot of work, myself, Rob (Howley) and Andy (Lloyd), to build some bridges. With him being in the Exeter system and an English academy, it was an easy decision for him to play for England. But we've worked hard, and he's back in a red jersey.”
Evans' dual eligibility—thanks to an English parent and a Welsh parent—gave both nations a legitimate claim to the youngster. However, Jones believes his commitment to Wales is the right move for both the player and the team:
“He's exactly the type of forward Welsh rugby needs. He's put on some good weight down there and is very keen. We are excited by his potential.”
A Big Boost for Wales U20s
Evans' decision couldn't come at a better time for Wales U20s. With the U20 Six Nations around the corner, the WRU will hope the young lock's combination of size, skill, and work rate can help them compete against Europe's best.
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