Wales U18s international Tomos Evans has become the latest Welsh youngster to commit his future to an English club after signing a contract with Gloucester.
The 18-year-old from Newcastle Emlyn, Ceredigion, is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Welsh rugby and has represented Wales at both U18s and U19s level.
Evans is capable of playing at centre, full-back and outside-half, although Gloucester view outside centre as his long-term position.
He attended Llandovery College for his GCSEs and was a member of the Scarlets academy.
Path to Gloucester
Evans later attended an open day at Hartpury University alongside 200 other youngsters and subsequently accepted an offer to study his A-levels at the renowned institution.
His performances for Hartpury caught the eye of former Wales back-row forward Gareth Delve, now Gloucester Rugby's academy manager.
That led to Evans being offered a place in Gloucester's academy, where he excelled for the club's U18s side.
Early stardom on TikTok
As a 14-year-old, Evans gained a following on TikTok for his remarkable goal-kicking videos filmed in his back garden, landing conversions from seemingly impossible angles. His development has accelerated ever since.
A prolific goal-kicker, Evans is strong in contact, possesses an excellent passing game and is a constant threat with ball in hand.
He impressed Gloucester's coaches sufficiently to earn a rookie contract which is a full-time deal that allows a player to live as a professional while training with the club's senior squad.
International tug-of-war looms
Eligible for both Wales and England, Evans is likely to find himself at the centre of a cross-border tug-of-war, with international allegiance potentially determined by whichever nation moves first.
It represents a significant opportunity for Evans to establish himself in the professional game.
He is one of several Welsh players at Kingsholm. From next season, Wales internationals Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake will join the club, while Josh Hathaway, Freddie Thomas, Max Llewellyn, Deian Gwynne and Caio James are already part of Gloucester's ranks.
Evans will be a contender for selection in Wales U20s and England U20s next season and is highly regarded within Welsh rugby circles.
A bright future in the professional game appears to await.
