Scarlets fly-half Carwyn Leggatt-Jones has signed his first senior contract with the region, committing until at least 2029. The teenager, considered one of the finest prospects in Welsh rugby and tipped for a future Wales cap, made his URC debut just a day after his 18th birthday last season. He has since made nine senior appearances, including four starts at fly-half, and is currently with the Wales U20s squad at the Junior World Championships in Georgia.
Contract Recognition for On-Field and Off-Field Qualities
Llandovery College student Leggatt-Jones earned the deal not only for his performances but also for his "professionalism, maturity and commitment," according to the region. Director of rugby Nigel Davies said: “Carwyn has earned this opportunity. His performances last season showed everyone the talent he possesses, but what impressed us just as much was the way he embraced the challenge of stepping into professional rugby at such a young age.”
Davies added: “Playing fly-half is one of the most demanding positions on the field, yet he showed real composure, confidence and an ability to make good decisions under pressure. He has an excellent rugby brain, a strong kicking game and, most importantly, a genuine desire to keep learning and improving.”
Speaking from the Wales camp in Tbilisi, Leggatt-Jones said: “It’s been a whirlwind year and it’s all come quicker than I expected, but it’s been class. At the start of the season I was playing for Llandovery College and then a few months later I was starting in the URC. To be playing alongside someone like Gar (Davies), who I looked up to growing up, was a surreal experience, but I’ve loved every minute of it and learned a huge amount.”
Wales vs Argentina Moved to ITV4
Wales' Nations Championship clash with Argentina this Saturday will be shown on ITV4, a change from last weekend's ITV1 broadcast of their opening win against Fiji. ITV1 will dedicate 13 straight hours to live international rugby, featuring New Zealand v Italy, Australia v France, Japan v Ireland, Fiji v England and South Africa v Scotland. However, Wales' match is the only fixture shifted to ITV4, due to England's FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Norway being broadcast on ITV1 at 10pm BST.
ITV4's coverage begins at 7.30pm BST on Saturday evening, with kick-off in San Juan at 8.10pm BST (4.10pm local time). The full Saturday schedule includes: 6.10am New Zealand v Italy (ITV1), 8.40am Australia v France (ITV1), 11.10am Japan v Ireland (ITV1), 2.10pm Fiji v England (ITV1), 4.40pm South Africa v Scotland (ITV1), and 8.10pm Argentina v Wales (ITV4).
Scarlets Show Support for Llandovery College
The Scarlets have demonstrated support for Llandovery College, one of Wales' most prestigious rugby schools, which faces severe financial difficulties after the chair of governors admitted it was on the verge of closure. Staff have accepted pay cuts, and scholarships will only be offered to pupils with exceptional talent. The college has produced over 50 Wales internationals, including George North, Alun Wyn Jones and Gwyn Jones.
Director of rugby Nigel Davies, managing director Jon Daniels and academy head Emyr Phillips joined WRU director of women's rugby Nadine Griffiths to speak to staff and pupils on the final day of term. Davies said: “Llandovery College occupies a special place in Welsh rugby. It has built an outstanding reputation for developing exceptional young people as well as exceptional rugby players, and it continues to play a vital role within our player pathway.”
Davies highlighted that three Scarlets U20s players currently at the Junior World Championships benefitted from the pathway, including Leggatt-Jones. He added: “Our relationship with Llandovery College is incredibly important to Scarlets. We are proud of what we have achieved together and remain fully committed to building on that partnership for many years to come.”
