WASPS DEAL RULES YOUNG OUT OF WALES
THOMAS Young has signed a new contract at Wasps that rules him out of international selection for Wales.
Despite consistently high performances for the Gallagher Premiership club, Young has only managed to earn three caps for his country so far.
However, with his deal up at the end of the current season, there was speculation the 28-year-old could return to Wales to keep his hopes of international selection alive – with Young well short of the 60 caps required to continuing playing for Wales while plying his trade in England.
Despite the departure of his dad, Dai Young, as director of rugby, the openside flanker has decided to extend his stay with the club.
It’s understood he was not actually offered a deal by any of the Welsh regions.
Speaking about the decision to sign a new contract, Young said: “I’ve made some great friends at this club and I want to achieve something special with them.”
Having made his Test debut on the 2017 tour of Tonga and Samoa, Young’s last Test appearance came against Italy in the 2019 Six Nations Grand Slam-winning campaign when then-Wales coach Warren Gatland rang the changes to his starting line-up.
Young impressed in his Six Nations debut and was denied a first try for his country late on after his score was ruled out by the TMO.
Since then, Young has had injury issues to contend with and missed out on the World Cup squad and the 2020 Six Nations.
Speaking about Young, Wasps coach Lee Blackett said: “Thomas is a hugely influential member of the squad on and off the field.
“He captained the side on several occasions last year and has developed into a real leader. Thomas is one of a number of players who’ve been here all the time I have.
“It’s been great to see him develop from being our second-choice seven behind George Smith to today, in our opinion, being one of the best opensides in the league.”
Meanwhile, another Wales international, Tyler Morgan, has joined Scarlets after his departure from
Dragons, with the west Wales region confirming his capture.
Once likened to Brian O’Driscoll, the 24-year-old centre will help reinforce a midfield pool depleted by the exit of Hadleigh Parkes.
Morgan will link with Scarlets when the current virus-enforced rugby shutdown is lifted in Wales.
It’s a significant signing for the Llanelli-based region.
Although Morgan is an outside centre, rather than a No.12 like Parkes, he is fast and elusive and a far better player than his relatively modest total of five caps would suggest.
The Scarlets certainly feel they have made a useful acquisition, with head coach Glenn Delaney saying: “We are delighted to be bringing a player of Tyler’s quality on board at Scarlets.
“He is an exciting talent and his potential has been there for all to see since he first burst onto the scene in Wales. He will add to the midfield options we already have at the club and we look forward to welcoming him into the group when we do get back together.”
Morgan could have an important role to play at the Scarlets when Jonathan Davies is away with Wales. With a fair wind behind him, he might even force his own way into Wayne Pivac’s plans.
The Dragons academy product is relishing the prospect of the new chapter that lies ahead. “I am looking forward to getting started,” he said.
“It is a fresh start for me.
“I know a lot of the Scarlets boys from age-grade rugby, playing with the likes of Steff Hughes, Eli (Ryan Elias) and Kieran Hardy and also when I was in the senior set-up learning alongside players like Rhys Patchell and Jon Davies.
“It is a new challenge, there are some great players at the Scarlets and I think the style of rugby the side play will suit my game.”
Morgan made 89 appearances for the Dragons over seven seasons.