Rookie winger considered for Wales Six Nations squad amid rapid rise
Scarlets wing Ellis Mee is under serious consideration for a place in Wales' Six Nations squad after a blistering start to the season.
Nobody outside of Llanelli batted an eyelid when the Scarlets announced they had signed the then 20-year-old Mee from English Championship outfit Nottingham. The likes of Blair Murray, Marnus van der Merwe and Alec Hepburn were the talking points but Mee, who qualifies for Wales through a parent, has been one of the signings of the season.
He put in a solid performance on his competitive Scarlets debut in a respectable 20-20 draw with Benetton in Treviso before spending a bit of time with Llandovery in Super Rygbi Cymru. What stood out on his Scarlets debut was his work rate and ability under the high ball.
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There are a handful of exciting speed merchants plying their trades on the wing in Welsh rugby but speak to any international rugby coach and they'll stress the importance of the middle third and winning the aerial battle. Mee's strength in chasing hard, putting pressure in the jumper in the air and also winning possession is clearly a big tick in the box.
This skill is even more vital now with the so-called 'escort runners' having been outlawed from the game, exposing catchers even more. But since winning a place in the Scarlets back three, wing of full-back Mee has been a revelation with his high rugby IQ often mentioned.
At 6ft 4in and 92kg Mee has the height for international rugby but would be challenged physically, although his work in the contact area with regards counter rucking and in defence has been good this season.
The 21-year-old is a silky runner with serious pace. Mee tends to hit very good support lines and has the pace to finish, as was evident with his try on the stroke of half-time during the Scarlets' agonising last-gasp defeat to the Ospreys over the festive period.
His decision-making under pressure is also very good and that can often be the difference between a good club player and an international. Wales will be boosted by the return of Josh Adams, while Liam Williams is a likely selection when the squad is announced on Monday.
Warren Gatland has always been a loyal coach and will stick with those he has invested in, such as Cameron Winnett. Rio Dyer has been out of sorts this season while the Scarlets' Blair Murray and Tom Rogers, along with Gloucester's Josh Hathaway and Exeter's Zack Wimbush are also contenders.
But WalesOnline understands Mee is a serious contender to make the squad. The Wales management will be keeping a very close eye on the Scarlets' Challenge Cup clash with Gloucester at Kingsholm on Friday night.
Subject to selection it will be a good test for Mee who could potentially go head-to-head with Hathaway. Tomos Williams, Gareth Anscombe and Max Llewellyn could be on show.
It will be interesting to see how the likes of Sam Costelow, Eddie James, Joe Roberts, Johnny Williams, Rogers, Murray and Mee fare against a host of other Wales internationals. Mee has already done enough to enter the equation but another strong performance in front of the Gatland and his coaching team could cement his place in the Wales squad.
