Blues looking to snap up quartet of Welsh stars
HALLAM Amos is set for a move to Cardiff Blues as the region target the signings of four Wales internationals for next season.
Ospreys hooker Scott Baldwin is also expected to move to the Arms Park, while the region are also chasing Josh Adams and Scarlets wing Steff Evans as they look to get their recruitment sorted early ahead of next season.
WalesOnline understands that Amos, who is out of contract at the end of the season, will quit the Dragons and pen a deal at the Blues for the 2019-20 campaign.
The imminent departure of one of their best players and an academy product will represent a huge blow to Bernard Jackman’s Rodney Parade strugglers. Asked about Amos this week, head coach John Mulvihill revealed his interest in the player, but it is understood negotiations are already close to being finalised.
“Hallam is off contract with the Dragons at the end of the season,” said Mulvihill.
“The Dragons will be keen to keep him, but that’s one of the areas we will be looking to strengthen. He is someone we will speak to looking forward. There are some specific areas we will be looking to strengthen; our outside backs, second row, and back-row.”
Mulvihill is looking to add a cutting edge to his Blues back line and the imminent arrival of 18-cap Wales star Amos would certainly do just that.
The 24-year-old has been a standout performer for the Dragons but recently admitted his frustration at the lack of on-field progress at Rodney Parade.
It looks like his current team’s struggles have finally got the better of the medical student and former Wales Under-20 star who has his heart set on pastures new.
He could yet be joined in Mulvihill’s squad for next season by Adams or Evans. It is unlikely, though, that both players would move to the Arms Park. Worcester wing Adams is out of contract at the end of the current campaign and must return to Wales if he is to continue his burgeoning international career under Warren Gatland’s guidance.
The Scarlets are also keen on their former player, who has scored 20 tries in 43 appearances for Worcester and ended last season as the joint-top tryscorer in England with 13 touchdowns.
Adams falls short of the 60 caps required to continue to ply his trade outside Wales and is of interest to the Blues, as is Evans, who started the season in the Scarlets’ A side.
Evans, who has six tries in 11 Tests for Wales, is also out of contract at the end of the season.
“I think Josh will be a target for all four regions,” added Mulvihill. “We will definitely be putting our hand up and hopefully we get to meet him soon. He’s the dynamic player we require.”
Baldwin is also close to signing on the dotted line at the Blues. The 30-year-old has fallen out of Wales contention and is set to leave the Ospreys in the hope of rejuvenating his international career.