Wales convince giant young lock to switch allegiances from England in 'exciting' coup
Wales Under 20s have won a tug of war with England for the services of giant Exeter Chiefs second-row Luke Evans.
The 18-year-old was originally part of the Wales U18s set-up before jumping ship to England U18s last season. But the Welsh Rugby Union have succeeded in persuading the Llanharan Youth player to represent Wales U20s this season.
Evans qualifies for both England and Wales and while representing Wales U20s does not tie him to the country of his birth it is still a big win for the WRU. At 6ft 8in Evans has the size to make a real impact and is the exact profile of second-row which is in short supply in Wales.
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Evans is an excellent lineout forward and a powerful carrier, while his work rate and physicality in defence is also a positive aspect of his game.
"We did a lot of work, myself, Rob (Howley) and Andy (Lloyd) to build some bridges," Whiffin told WalesOnline.
"I just think with him being in the Exeter system and at an English academy it made it an easy decision for him (to play for England).
"He is dual-qualified. He's got an English parent and a Welsh parent but we've done good work on getting him back in a red jersey.
"He's exactly the type of forward Welsh rugby needs. He's put on some good weight down there and he's very keen. He's been in and around the setup. We just need to get him through a few training sessions.
"We are excited by his potential."
Wales have lost a lot of players to England, with Gallagher Premiership clubs preferring their players to wear the Red Rose at age grade.
For example, the likes of Welsh-born duo Kane James and Kepu Tuipulotu have been named in the England U20s squad. But for now the selection of Evans in the Wales U20s squad for the upcoming Six Nations squad is a big bonus for Richard Whiffin's side.
The WRU has come under fire over the past 12 months following former Wales U20s wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's decision to represent England at senior level over the land of his birth. With a number of promising Welsh rugby players taking up scholarships at English schools like Hartpury, the WRU has to be on the money if it wants to retain the majority of its talent.
"Gloucester have been good with us," said Whiffin. "They've got a massive recruitment tool with Hartpury but with Gareth Delve there he helps us keep the Welsh players Welsh for as long as possible.
"It's about creating those relationships but creating opportunities to get them in a red jersey. If you were to speak to the likes of Luke Evans and Kane James, at the time they went down the English route because England got to them first. At the time myself and Richie Pugh were not in post.
"Things are in motion. Next year's calendar looks different because of that we've got more U18s fixtures and camps to keep the boys Welsh for as long as possible."
