The Ospreys have formally requested that the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) sanction a loan move for former Wales Under-20 fly-half Harri Wilde from Cardiff, according to WalesOnline. The 21-year-old playmaker is currently one of five outside-halves at Cardiff, alongside new signing Jarrod Evans, Callum Sheedy, Ioan Lloyd, and Wales U20s prospect Lloyd Lucas.
Cardiff's depth at fly-half
Cardiff's surplus of playmakers has prompted the Ospreys to act. The Arms Park outfit plans to deploy Lloyd at full-back and Evans at inside centre in certain matches next season, but the Ospreys are keen to add Wilde to their roster. WalesOnline understands that the Ospreys are likely to succeed in their bid, partly because Cardiff is currently owned by the WRU, giving the governing body significant influence over player movements.
Ospreys' need for a 10
The Ospreys require another option at fly-half to compete with Wales international Dan Edwards. They have already signed Australian utility-back Lawson Creighton from the Waratahs as a replacement for Jack Walsh, who has joined Montauban. However, Wilde is seen as a longer-term prospect who could benefit from regular game time in the United Rugby Championship.
Wilde impressed for Wales U20s over the past two seasons, showcasing his ability to play flat to the line, his peripheral vision, and a strong kicking game. Despite playing most of his rugby for Cardiff RFC in Super Rygbi Cymru, he has now reached a stage where he needs to step up and compete regularly at regional level.
Development opportunity
While Cardiff have a strong track record of developing young talent and transitioning them into the first team, Wilde may be lost to the Ospreys in the short term. The move could provide him with more immediate opportunities in the URC, where the Ospreys have a pressing need for depth at fly-half.
