Jac the lad! Lloyd Mk II in Bristol deal
WELSH wonderkid Ioan Lloyd’s younger brother Jac has joined him in signing a professional contract with high-flying Bristol.
Still a schoolboy, the 18-year-old Jac, who plays at fly-half, is another gifted member of the Lloyd family from Cardiff.
Like his elder brother, he has studied at Clifton College, where he is in the sixth form, and has represented Bristol from U15-U18 age groups.
He has already trained with the Bears’ senior set-up and has now been handed a Senior Academy contract by the Gallagher Premiership leaders ahead of next season.
Jac will now be looking to follow in the footsteps of the versatile Ioan who has made such a big impact over the past year or so, shining across the back-line for Bristol and making his Wales debut in the autumn, when he featured against both Georgia and Italy.
Giving his thoughts on his progress, Jac said: “Training with the Bears has been absolutely amazing and so much fun.
“It is hard because the step up is enormous both physically and mentally. There’s been loads of information to process and learn which is hard enough in itself, but then putting that information into practice against the best players in the Premiership is another thing.
“Having Ioan there has been a major help because he’s a familiar face to ask questions to and has, most importantly, made involving myself as much as possible far easier.”
Bristol Director of Rugby Pat Lam said: “Jac is a fly half with great potential who perfectly fits the club’s longterm plan and vision for homegrown players.
“The focus for Jac now will be to continue to grow and develop in all areas on and off the field which will enable him to compete and add value to the Bears.
“If he consistently puts in the hard work, I believe the rugby programme and our team culture at the Bears High Performance Centre will provide him with the best possible chance to achieve his dreams.”
Like Ioan, Jac attended Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf in Cardiff before going off to Clifton.
Bristol’s Senior Academy Manager Gethin Watts said: “Jac has followed in the footsteps of his brother, Ioan, in benefitting from the club’s partnership with Clifton College and now signing professional terms with the Academy.
“He has already had a taste of the senior setup in training and we’re impressed by his potential and work ethic.
“We look forward to seeing how Jac progresses in a high-performance environment.”