All eyes on teenage outside-half prodigy as Wales' best college team decided

When Warren Gatland held court with journalists towards the end of Wales' Autumn Nations Series campaign he admitted the cupboard was bare when it came to top end outside-halves.

Historically, Wales' legendary fly-half factory has produced some of the greats of the game, from Cliff Morgan to Barry John, to Phil Bennett and Jonathan Davies. In recent years the likes of Neil Jenkins, Stephen Jones, Rhys Priestland, Dan Biggar and Gareth Anscombe have been high class Test match operators.

But Wales have struggled of late, with Anscombe nearing the end of his career, Ben Thomas playing centre at club level and Sam Costelow still finding his feet in the international arena. The Ospreys' Dan Edwards will surely get an opportunity in due course but Gatland might find two potential long-term options in the Welsh Schools and Colleges U18s final at the Principality Stadium on Thursday when Llandovery College take on Coleg y Cymoedd.

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In Llandovery's corner is 17-year-old Scarlets and Wales U18s outside-half Carwyn Leggatt-Jones who is considered one of the brightest prospects in the Welsh game. Such is the impression he's made, he played for Wales U18s as a 16-year-old.

"So, last year he was a revelation for the team," said former Wales backrower Nathan Thomas, who is now head of rugby at Llandovery College.

"He plays with total freedom but any mistakes he does make he seems to brush off really well. He doesn't wear any of those mistakes. He plays with a lot of freedom and he's been a class performer for us.

"He's had glandular fever after our first game against Coleg Sir Gar. We didn't know when he would be back so it was quite nice that his first game back was against Sir Gar in the semi-final after what many people would have deemed one of his poorer performances against them.

"So, that was quite good for him as well."

Jones lit up last season's final, being chosen as player of the match by Wales star Jac Morgan as Llandovery College beat Ysgol Glantaf 28-13.

Jones is a triple threat player and a dangerous runner who can also control a game. He has been tipped for big things and Llandovery coach Thomas has no doubt he will fulfil his potential.

"Everything we have seen from Carwyn so far in terms of his array of kicks and his ability to make good decisions right in the face of a defence is as good as anything I've seen coming through the system," said Thomas.

"He seems to be a lot wiser than his actual age and it's weird to think he's only in Year 12. If he gets the right support over the next years I don't see how he can't be playing at professional level at least."

His opposite number on Thursday, Ben Coomer, is another player who is exciting those within the Welsh game. Coomer is part of the Cardiff Rugby academy and played his junior rugby for Abercynon RFC.

He was outstanding in Coleg Y Cymoedd's sensational 49-46 semi-final victory over Ysgol Glantaf, kicking 19 points, and controlling the game throughout. Former Wales No 8 Geraint Lewis is head coach of Coleg y Cymoedd and sees a bright future for Coomer within the professional game in the long-run.

"From our perspective with Ben he's a very balanced player," said the former Pontypridd backrower. "His obvious attribute is his kicking which is as good as I've seen from anyone at his age.

"He's underestimated around ball in hand as well and his running ability. You'd like to think players with that potential and talent can be nurtured for the future.

"Looking around the Welsh Schools and Colleges league I think it's a real area of strength. You look at other colleges there are some real good little players there at 10.

"Naturally in Wales we do get excited about tens but sometimes as well that causes difficulties for them to develop because of the scrutiny and the pressure of that. Hopefully those boys will get given opportunities and support to nurture their abilities for the future."

Both number 10s hold the key to victory at the Principality Stadium on Thursday but don't be surprised to see Coomer and Leggatt-Jones shine at professional level in the not too distant future.