RANDALL SET TO SPARK ENGLAND V WALES BATTLE
BRISTOL scrum-half Harry Randall could find himself targeted by both England and Wales in the next fortnight. Randall produced another superb display to guide Bristol into the European Challenge Cup final on Friday night, and there is a growing clamour across the bridge for Eddie Jones to call him up this autumn.
But Wales could also feasibly step in and offer him a chance to play Test rugby, with the international squads for a busy campaign due to be named in the week beginning October 5.
Injury to Tomos Williams means Wayne Pivac is on the look out for a third scrum-half this autumn, with Dragons’ Rhodri Williams and Scarlets’ Kieran Hardy the Welsh-based frontrunners to join Gareth Davies and Rhys Webb.
Randall played for England at under-20 level but he is also understood to be eligible for Wales despite not being born here or having Welsh parents or grand parents.
That’s because he spent more than 10 consecutive years living in Wales from the age of four, a period of time that qualifies him under World Rugby regulation 8.
Randall, 22, was born in Slough, England, but moved to the Amman Valley as a child. He first played rugby at Tycroes and went on to represent Llandovery College and Wales under16s and 18s. He was at the Scarlets as a teenager but then moved to Hartpury college at 17. He was a member of the Gloucester Academy, but joined Bristol Bears in 2018.
Randall played scrum-half for England’s U18s and U20s, scoring a try against Wales at Colwyn Bay in February, 2017.
He has previously stated he understandably sees himself as English, but if he is overlooked by Jones he could take up any offer to represent the country where he grew up and learned how to play the game.
His swift service, darting runs, clever kicking and astute reading of the game have seen his reputation soar over the past year, particularly in recent weeks.
One particular grubber kick through for a Max Malins try against Bordeaux on Friday night had fans in awe.