Wales rugby has nine new players who have got Wales coaches very excited, according to WRU pathway scrum and throwing-in coach Marc Breeze. Breeze is tasked with developing the next generation of front-row players for Wales.
Key prospects named
Breeze named Yestyn Cook, Jac Pritchard, Isaac Godfrey, George Tuckley, Dylan James, George Leyland, Hudson Nevin, Jack Clease, and Tom Howe as players to watch. He said: "We've got Yestyn Cook who we are excited about. He had a bit of exposure in the (U20s) Six Nations while Jac Pritchard has also been outstanding for us. Isaac Godfrey is also quality with ball in hand and his scrum development has gone through the roof this year."
Breeze's role and optimism
Breeze works with players from 15 up to 23, linking with regional coaches, SRC clubs, and the women's side. He believes tighthead prop will become a competitive position for Wales in a few years. "I think it is quite exciting for Wales and tighthead will be a competitive position in a few years," he said. "When you look at the players we've got coming through now from the years I've been doing this job we've always had good quality."
Bridge to professional game
Breeze highlighted Super Rygbi Cymru as an ideal proving ground for young front-rowers. "It takes front-rowers a little bit longer to transition into the professional game. I think the SRC is a brilliant competition to develop young front-rowers," he said. "You could be a 12-20 year-old coming up against a 31-year-old experienced prop who has just finished in the pro game. That's where you get quality learning from."
