Carmarthen Journal

Stephens rewarded with fresh Falcons deal

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IWAN Stephens, son of ex-wales and Llanelli No. 10 favourite Colin Stephens, has signed a fresh two-year deal with Newcastle Falcons and been promoted into the club’s firstteam squad.

The 20-year-old back-three man has been sidelined by injury for much of his season but made his internatio­nal debut for England U20s and is rated highly by outgoing Falcons team boss Dean Richards.

“Iwan is an extremely exciting player who gets supporters on their feet and has a real X-factor about him,” said Richards.

“He has come a long way in a very short space of time when you consider he was a virtual novice to rugby union just two years ago, but he is working hard on his game understand­ing and showing really positive progress.

“With his pace and footwork he’s someone who makes things happen, and he’s another young, English-qualified player who fits into what we’re trying to build.”

Stephens previously figured on the books of rugby league outfit Leeds Rhinos. After he opted for a cross-code switch in 2020, he could have ended up playing in Wales.

But despite a couple of regions showing an interest they were slow to follow it up. Newcastle, by contrast, had already done their research and wanted him straightaw­ay.

Doubtless, the Kingston Park club viewed footage of the coast-to-coast try Stephens scored for Leeds Rhinos U19s before coming to their decision to reel him in two years ago.

He scored in each of his first three appearance­s in 15-a-side, against Harlequins, Bath and Wasps, and is delighted to pen a new deal, saying: “I see this as a really good opportunit­y for me. In my first year here I was just getting into it, and even though I’d played a bit of rugby union as a kid it was basically just a case of learning the game.

“This current season is my second in union, and it was great to have that spell at the start where I played against Harlequins and Bath, scoring in the games.

“I’m just looking to keep learning and improving over the next two and a bit seasons here.”

Though he won just five Wales caps, Stephens senior is fondly remembered in Welsh rugby and especially in West Wales, not least for his man-ofthe-match display for Llanelli in their win over Australia in 1992.

Iwan’s running style has earned comparison with that of Colin.

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