New kids on block make big impact

THE Ospreys have handed development deals to four of Welsh rugby’s most promising youngsters.

Two years ago, Keelan Giles was among a group of six who followed the same route at the region.

This time, a quartet of players who were in the outstanding Ospreys Under-18s squad who claimed the WRU regional agegrade title last month, have been rewarded with contracts.

The Eyas (a name for young hawks) team defeated the Dragons 16-10 in the final, having finished the regular season unbeaten.

Callum Carson, Will Griffiths, Dylan Moss and Cai Evans make up the group who will report for pre-season training aiming to make the step up from the agegrade scene and become fully fledged Ospreys.

All are members of the Wales Under-18s squad and every one of them featured in Sunday’s clash with France in Lyon.

Ospreys development boss Dan Griffiths said: “It’s always pleasing to see boys develop through the pathway and it’s important we recognise and celebrate this achievement.

“The players have put in a huge amount of effort to enable them to secure development contracts. They will already have an understanding of our environment, that it is the best place in Wales for someone to learn their rugby trade but they know that they are going to have to go up several levels when they report for pre-season training.

“Each one of them has huge potential and we can help them achieve that potential over the coming seasons if they continue to put in the hard work and commitment required to be an Osprey.”

Centre Carson (Gowerton RFC/Bishopston Comprehensive/ Gower College Swansea) has excellent footwork and the ability to offload, with his attacking skills complemented by sound defence and the ability to achieve turnovers, while 17-yearold Evans (Cowbridge RFC/Cowbridge Comprehensive) is a flyhalf who boasts an accurate passing game and can kick the ball long distances.

Lock Griffiths (Gowerton RFC/ Gowerton Comprehensive) combines a great skill-set with the ability to graft and is a leader.