Regions in a scramble to secure the signature of hot prospect Moore
THE battle to lure hot prospect Sam Moore back to Wales has intensified with ALL the regions understood to be eyeing the Cardiff-born youngster.
A scramble for his services is set to unfold even though the back-rower is believed to be completing the first 12 months of a five-year deal with the Sale Sharks.
The first senior contract with the Aviva Premiership club is not thought to be the highly lucrative deal bigger names are earning, and it’s understood Warren Gatland wants the 19-year-old to potentially be part of Wales’s World Cup plans.
And Gatland is keen for the regions to buy him out of his contract, with the Scarlets, Dragons and Cardiff Blues already said to be bidding for a player who is regarded as having big potential.
The Ospreys are also interested. If one of them succeeds in bringing Moore to Wales it would be a major boost for Gatland heading towards the World Cup.
Wales need specialist No. 8 cover for Taulupe Faletau and the fast and skilful Moore is seen as fitting the bill.
An audacious bid to draft him into Gatland’s squad last autumn met without success and Welsh hopes dived further when the teen accepted an invitation from Eddie Jones to be part of England’s set-up in January.
But he was only with the Red Rose brigade for two days and the son of former Wales lock Steve Moore and nephew of ex-Wales second row Andy Moore hasn’t committed either way.
Gatland evidently feels the former Everton academy footballer of the year is worth pursuing.
Moore the younger supported Wales as a youngster, but has been brought through the England schools system and played age-grade rugby in a white jersey.
He is talking to Sale about a fresh deal, but it would not cost the earth for a region to buy him out of his current contract.
The issue is whether he feels allegiance to the land of his birth or the country where he has been developed as a player.
Currently sidelined by injury, he isn’t expected back on the pitch before next season.
By then, his future is likely to be decided.