The Welsh Rugby Union is set to invest £28 million in its pathway over the next five years, but developing talent at home can only be part of the solution. The WRU must also be relentless in identifying Welsh-qualified players around the world, and across both codes of rugby, who could potentially add to the national pool.
Highlanders lock Tai Cribb
There is growing interest in the possibility that Highlanders lock Tai Cribb, 22, could qualify to play for Wales. Cribb, who can also operate in the back row, is currently a squad member with the Highlanders and has represented Waikato in New Zealand’s NPC competition. A dynamic and physical forward, he is prepared to put his body on the line and is particularly effective in the wide channels, where his athleticism and work rate make him a threat.
Crusaders lock Tahlor Cahill
The Canterbury Crusaders lock is already on the WRU’s radar and Wales should certainly make a second approach. Welsh-qualified Cahill came close to joining the Scarlets last season but was ultimately put off by the uncertainty surrounding the Welsh game. That decision may have denied Wales the chance to bring in one of New Zealand rugby’s emerging talents. Cahill has all the attributes of a modern lock. He is athletic, carries strongly, handles the ball well and has the work rate to influence a game around the park. He is also a proven presence at the lineout, giving him a rounded skill set that would add another dimension to Wales’ pack. Crucially, he is not yet tied to New Zealand. That leaves the door open, and Tandy should be doing everything possible to get the 23-year-old on board.
Harlequins back-rower Seb Driscoll
The former Wales Under-20s back-rower, who also qualifies for England, has been making a strong impression for Harlequins in the Premiership Cup in recent weeks. In a recent interview with MailOnline, Harlequins attack coach Brad Cooper singled out Driscoll as one of the players who had impressed him during pre-season and indicated that he would be given increased opportunities this season. An all-action openside, Driscoll brings considerable physicality to the breakdown and has a knack for winning turnovers, while also offering a strong carrying option.
NRL stars Bradman Best and Harry Hayes
Best has established himself as a formidable presence in Australia’s NRL, widely regarded as the toughest competition in either code, and has already represented New South Wales in the State of Origin series. The 22-year-old centre plays for the Newcastle Knights and is a devastatingly explosive runner, combining considerable physicality with an impressive offloading game. Despite being Australian-born, Best was approached about representing Wales through his heritage, although the move never came to fruition. Luring Best away from the NRL would almost certainly require a significant financial commitment. But given the limitations of Wales’ playing pool, the WRU could do worse than at least test the waters.
Harry Hayes, 24, is the grandson of former Great Britain international Mervyn Hicks, who hails from Cross Keys. At 6ft 3 in and over 16 stone Hayes plays both prop and second-row for the Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL. He is another very explosive ball carrier who has a reputation for making big post-contact metres while he hits very hard in defence. Hayes is already a fan favourite at the Bulldogs and looks like the sort of player who could thrive in rugby union. But the NRL is the premier competition in either code, and his performances will inevitably attract plenty of suitors.
Edinburgh prop Rhys Litterick and young Louis Johns
Quality tighthead props are in short supply in Welsh rugby right now, which makes Rhys Litterick a player worth keeping a close eye on. The Welsh-qualified prop spent two seasons at Cardiff Rugby, developing into a powerful scrummager with the ability to make a genuine impact as a ball carrier. Litterick also offers plenty around the park. He is comfortable in possession, effective over the ball and puts in a considerable shift defensively. He joined Edinburgh at the start of last season but has spent several months on the sidelines with an Achilles injury. His return is now imminent, and his availability should prompt interest from all four of Wales’ professional sides. Litterick is also eligible to play for Scotland, but Steve Tandy could do worse than pick up the phone.
Louis Johns, the 16-year-old son of Australian rugby league great Andrew Johns, appears to be following in his father’s footsteps after signing a development contract with NRL heavyweights the Sydney Roosters. Johns has Welsh heritage through his father, while his mother is from Porthcawl, making him Welsh-qualified. His future is likely to lie in rugby league but Johns is precisely the sort of young talent the WRU should be keeping a close eye on. With his pedigree, age and links to Wales, he could be an intriguing prospect should he ever consider a move into the 15-a-side game.
