A Shootout For Wales’ Future Fly-Half Taking Place Down West
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The number ten jersey is exceptional in Welsh rugby. There have been many sensational players that have worn the legendary number. Players like Stephen Jones, Dan Biggar, and Neil Jenkins. Wales will be looking for a new ten now that Biggar has retired from international rugby. Also, Gareth Anscombe has moved to Japan. Yet, there are young fly-halves coming through. Two players in Llanelli Scarlets can fulfil that role for Wales. Of course, these players are Sam Costelow and Ioan Lloyd. Who will be looking to make an impact over the next couple of years to show they are the future of their nation.
Sam Costelow
Now, Costelow seems to be the clear option to take the mantle from Bigger. There have been positive signs that the young fly-half can produce. He took a more prominent role in the world cup than many people expected due to injuries to Bigger and Anscombe. The 22-year-old has been part of the Ospreys set-up. He played a central role in the Wales Under 20s team. He joined the Scarlets in 2020 after a stint with the Leicester Tigers. He has impressed in his 49 appearances down west. His performances in Llanelli led to him getting his first cap against New Zealand in 2022. Costelow’s key attribute is his consistency. You also know he will give a solid performance every time he steps on the pitch. The player from Pencoed is very good at game management and is the type of player Warren Gatland likes to play. He did suffer an injury against the Barbarians, but he will come back from injury. On his return, Costelow will most likely be the front-runner for the job.
Ioan Lloyd
There was a lot of hype around Lloyd coming to Scarlets from Bristol this season. The 22-year-old has his sights set on getting that Wales jersey. He has always been a standout player wherever he has gone. Lloyd has played well, whether that is for Clifton College, Bristol Bears, or the Welsh youth teams. Lloyd has played well in his first three games in the United Rugby Championship for Scarlets. Furthermore, he was a shining light in a poor South African tour. He is an exciting attacking player who likes to play an open game. It may be a positive going into a new era of Welsh rugby. Lloyd is a good kicker of the tee, which is now as important as ever. The reason for this is that international games are as close as ever, and getting those points is crucial. Lloyd seems to be an exciting prospect for Wales in the future.
Warren Gatland’s Ideal Ten
Gatland likes a fly-half who is good at game management and is consistent. The Wales coach has selected the likes of Bigger and Jones in the past. They were both fantastic game managers, accurate goal kickers and rarely made mistakes. Yet, there was a time when Bigger would start the game, and Sheedy would end it. It shows that Gatland likes the balance between attacking and conservative play. Looking at the past, Costelow would fit the mould for Gatland’s ideal ten. Yet, he has given players with similar styles to Lloyd a chance, such as James Hook. The decision at fly-half may suggest how Gatland will be building the team for Australia 2027
Other Options
There are many other options for Gatland to choose from, such as Callum Sheedy. The Welsh international plays his club rugby in Bristol and is an exceptional player. Sheedy has played some excellent rugby for the Bears and Wales. If you go to Newport, you have Cai Evans who has shown some glimpses of great talent. Evans is good but needs more experience at the international level. Finally, Jarrod Evans, who is playing his rugby for the Harlequins. The crisis at ten highlights the issues with the current 25-cap rule. There are a lot of options, but they are currently playing outside of Wales.
There are many exciting options for Wales at fly-half. Yet, Costelow and Lloyd are the more plausible choices. It’s because they are the best at their position playing in Wales.