WRU swoop for Wales tyros
Tyler Morgan has become the first uncapped player to sign a National Dual Contract, designed to safeguard the future of Welsh rugby and joins Hallam Amos and Rhodri Jones, in the latest wave of signatures for the Welsh Rugby Union and the four Welsh Regions.
Nineteen-year-old Morgan, fellow Newport Dragons back 20-year-old Amos and 22-year-old Scarlets prop Jones, are the youngest players to commit to the new scheme, designed to safeguard the future of Welsh rugby.
All three players, who have represented WRU's Under-20 squads, will remain with their current regions but the WRU having primacy of contract for all NDC players.
This latest trio of contracted players join Sam Warburton and Dan Lydiate as part of the NDC initiative, drawn up as a result of a new six-year Rugby Services Agreement (RSA) between the WRU and Professional Rugby Wales in August 2014.
"Securing the signatures of these three young players represents the most momentous stage so far for the NDC system in Wales," said WRU Chief Executive Roger Lewis.
"We have made headlines with this great new initiative already with the marquee signings of Sam Warburton and Dan Lydiate, two of our established international stars, and being able to ensure Dan could return home to Wales has sent the right messages around the rugby world.
"But the future of Welsh rugby is in the hands of the likes of Tyler, Hallam and Rhodri.
"The more players of their like whom we can ensure remain a part of our domestic competition, to benefit from all the coaching, care and infrastructure available from our Elite department, then the stronger we will be.
"Together with our regions, we have made a significant and direct impact on the market, we have a new and different offer and one that is proving to be attractive to any player with Welsh international ambitions.
"There is more to come, but Tyler's signature, as the first uncapped player is particularly symbolic.
"Today's announcement marks a shift in the sands in terms of player retention and welfare in Wales and its significance will not be lost on the nation."
Newport Gwent Dragons centre Morgan featured nine times for Wales U20 during 2014, appearing in the Six Nations and Junior World Championship for Wales' age group side.
"I am over the moon to sign a NDC. I'm a local boy and I'm very happy at the Dragons, so I'm delighted to commit my future to them and to Welsh rugby.
"The contracts allow us to work closely with the national squad management and for me that was a big incentive. Being able to get that extra advice and guidance will really benefit me going," Morgan said.
Fellow Dragon, Amos, won his only cap against Tonga in the 2013 November campaign, the same year that he also featured for Wales U20 in the Six Nations Championship, although he was also named in the 2014 squad. After coming through the Dragons academy, the versatile back became the youngest ever regional player at 17 years and 28 days, and was also the youngest starting player in the Pro12.
"I'm really pleased to have been offered this opportunity and I fully intend to make the most of it," said Amos.
Jones is a former Wales U20 prop, first called into the senior squad in 2011, but he had to wait to make his debut against the Barbarians at the Millennium Stadium. The Scarlets tighthead featured in all five of Wales' 2014 Six Nations games, starting the final outing against Scotland and featured in the matchday squad for all four of Wales' 2014 year-end matches.
"These contracts offer us stability and peace of mind, as well as first class resources to allow players to concentrate on playing. The Scarlets have played a huge part in my career so far and I hope I can reward theirs and the WRU's faith in me in the coming seasons," said Jones.
Wales head coach, Warren Gatland, said the signings is an important step in the right direction.
"This is another important step forward as some of our youngest prospects commit their futures to the game in Wales.
"The structure we have created means a player's development and welfare is monitored by the national squad management and this will help players realize their full potential.
"NDC's will strengthen the game at national and regional level and we would like to thank the regions for their help in this process," he said.
"We are delighted that Tyler and Hallam have committed their futures to the Newport Gwent Dragons and to Wales and Rhodri to the Scarlets and Wales, these signatures are a significant development in the safeguarding of the future of our game," WRU Chairman, Gareth Davies added:
Dragons Director of Rugby, Lyn Jones and Wayne Pivac, head coach of the Scarlets shared their thoughts on the NDC signings.
"This is a very positive move from the WRU, one which we will all feel the benefits from in the future," Jones said.
"Rhodri has come through the development pathway here at the Scarlets and we're pleased to see him staying in Wales. We're pleased to see another of our international players committing to Welsh rugby and the region," Pivac stated.
wru.co.uk
