Welsh youngster off to ply trade in France
THE hugely-promising stepson of former Wales forward Phil Pugh left for France this week to take up a three-year contract with Nevers in the French second division.
Welsh-speaker Lewys Jones, who attended Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera, has featured for Wales U18s and U19s and featured in the Wales U20s squad.
The 6ft, 19st 2lb tight-head is a youngster felt to have the ability to go far. One source has previously said the 18-year-old had been “marked down as the next big thing”.
Jones’s deal with Nevers has an option for two extra years which would leave him eligible to play for France if he takes it up, with the relevant World Rugby regulation on residency qualifications having been extended to five years, though the Ospreys academy product said his immediate focus was to settle in his new environment.
“I’m excited about going out there,” he said.
“There’s a few nerves, but if you’re not nervous you are not setting yourself high enough targets and stretching yourself.
“It’s for three years but there’s a possible extension to five, depending on how things go.
“The idea is it’ll be a life experience as well as an opportunity for me to play and develop my rugby.
“I guess if you’re a tighthead, France is the place to test yourself.”
Jones will acquire JIFF status after three years, which effectively means he’ll be considered French for domestic purposes out there and so help any club he plays for to meet their quotas over foreign and local players.
Two further seasons in the country could leave him with a choice at >
international enough.
“I’m Welsh and home is home, but if it goes well there is the option of staying for five years, which would leave me France-qualified,” he said.
“I could have a choice. It doesn’t mean that I have to take it. But it’s nice to know.
“The club have said if I get called up for Wales U20s, they are more than happy for me to go.
“Of course I’d love to play senior rugby for Wales further down the line.
“But it’s early days and I’m just going to see how I develop. I’m not looking that far ahead with Wales nor France.
“All I want at this stage is to be the best possible rugby player I can be.
“As long as you do your best, that’s the key.
“Phil has stayed in touch with people in France he knew from his Neath days.
“I told Phil I’d like to play out there. He then told one of his connections and it went from there.
“I’ll go out there now and make my own connections.” level if he’s good