As I watched the Scarlets’ matches over the World Cup period, it has been obvious to me that the young players that is being given opportunities on the pitch for the region in the absence of the international players is giving the Llanelli-based team plenty of reasons to be excited for the future. I have compiled a list of five players that have left their stamp on the field, and have the potential to be the next players to permanently break through the ranks of Scarlets’ world-famous academy:
Kirby Myhill – Hooker
With Matthew Rees being a perfect role model for Myhill, the young player from Carmarthen is the latest in line of impressive hookers at the west-Wales region. Following an injury to Rees and the absence of Ken Owens, who is with Wales at the World Cup, it is the perfect time for Myhill to prove his worth to the coaches, and earn the nod for the number two jersey ahead of his main competitor, Emyr Phillips. Since recently moving from flanker to hooker, Myhill has already earned a handful of invaluable experience, including coaching from the All Black academy and representing the Wales Under 20s at the World Cup in Italy during the Summer. There are still elements from his flanker days that are obvious to his game, which adds a different dimension to the Scarlet pack. Following his uncle, Mark Perego’s footsteps into professional rugby, he has the potential to be a leading member of the Scarlets and Welsh squad over the long-term future.
4. Liam Williams- Winger
Another player who represented Wales in Italy over the Summer, Liam, or ‘Sanjay’, has made a big impact since joining up with the main squad at the start of the season. He has seemingly cemented his place on the wing in the absence of the likes of George North and Sean Lamont, after impressive displays, despite competition from the likes of Dale Ford, Lee Williams and Lee Rees. A very good player under the high ball, his combine of speed and height makes him a very handy player, and has already shown his try scoring abilities by touching down in the LV Cup game against English giants Leicester Tigers.
3. Adam Warren – Centre
Warren is another youngster who has already made very impressive stridesfor the main side at the start of the season, following his debut against Edinburgh, that resulted in him touching down twice. Having impressed in the Principality league for club side Llandovery, there are already strong calls being made by the Scarlets’ faithfull for him to be brought into the starting XV on a permanent basis, especially following the man-of-the-match performance in the Edinburgh game. A good line breaker and also strong in the contact area, both offensively and defensively, Adam Warren could be a competitor to the likes of Jonathan Davies and Scott Williams in a couple of season.
2. Aled Davies – Scrum-Half
Martin Roberts, Dwayne Peel, Mike Phillips and Tavis Knoyle. These are scrum-halfs of the recent era that have been produced by the Scarlets and have represented the international side. So it would not be stupid of you to put your money down that Aled Davies, a former pupil of Bro Myrddin school, will be next in line. With a very mature head, he was part of the Under 18 side, alongside George North, that was narrowly beaten by the Cardiff Blues in the Reebok Regional final back in 2009/2010. His quality was proved as he won ‘Rugby World’s Schools Player of the Month’ – a competition that is being held throughout Britain. Having had his apperances for both club and age-grade country limited due to massive unluckiness of injury, Davies will be more determined than ever to prove his quality and fitness to fans and coaches. As well as having a strong kicking game, he is very good as analysing the situation in games, and making breaks, and could easily be compared to Dwayne Peel. If he does prove his fitness, he could overtake Gareth Davies and Rhodri Williams as the main competitor for Tavis Knoyle’s number 9 jersey.
1. Jordan Williams – Fly-Half
There is no doubt that Jordan has been causing massive excitement throughout the region. The youngest squad member at the moment, he is excellently able to control the game and handle pressure at such a fragile age. Not only being able to rack up points from the boot, he is an all-rounder – being able to create and score tries – as demonstrated when he faced Leicester Tigers last week. He could not be an understudy to much better players in the form of Stephen Jones and Rhys Priestland, his creativity skills are obvious – and has taken over the number 10 jersey for Llanelli RFC, which has been worn by Priestland and Steve Shingler over the past 4 years. He only turned 18 during September, and has been described by fans as the player who could offer the creativity that the side is missing. His size may be his biggest weakness – although it does not seem to get any effect on his defence – but yet again, he has another three years or so to grow. Watch this space.
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