The Future's Bright . . . The Future's Scarlet
When asked to write an article about the young crop of talent emerging from the Scarlets I could not have been happier. The Scarlets have one of the most exciting young backlines in European rugby at the moment. Tavis Knoyle, Rhys Priestland, Jon Davies, Scott Williams, George North “ all young players who, not only have a huge future ahead of them, impressed fans and critics alike with their performances at the recent rugby World cup. Their success has highlighted the Scarlets' intent to nurture young talent in the hope of bringing success back to West Wales.
Shortly after last season's 6 Nations that the Scarlets called a press conference. This was not a press conference to announce the signing of a household name player, but instead a signal of the Scarlets' intent over the coming years. Over 20 players, mainly in their early 20s, signed contract extensions or their first professional contracts. A move that will see players like Rhys Priestland, George North and Scott Williams form the nucleus of the Scarlet side for the foreseeable future.
This investment in youth has not been an easy ride for the Scarlets and it is important to remember that this is not an overnight success story. In recent seasons the West Walians have not made any impact in Europe or on the domestic front; constantly overshadowed by their richer, star studded neighbours the Ospreys. Fans and critics alike have called for big name signings to bolster the ranks, they have questioned whether, although financially sound, whether the investment in young talent will bring on field success. Players would often be thrust into LV= cup games and Magners league games, sometimes leaving them looking out of their depth.
A prime example of this is Rhys Priestland's whose rise has, in many ways, been the biggest success story of all. As he emerged from the Scarlets' academy a few seasons ago, Priestland had the unfortunate task of being Stephen Jones' deputy and heir apparent. His chances would come when Jones was away with Wales and often against supposed weaker opposition. At the time many Scarlets supporters questioned his ability to step up to the big stage. Despite his creativity in attack, many questioned his goal kicking and his ability to control a game. Most of all there seemed a big question above his temperament; to many he appeared a 'confidence' player, one who thrives on confidence and easily got knocked back by mistakes. Still there were a few who believed he would one day make it on the big stage.
Roll on to last season and given a string of games at full back, Priestland's confidence grew and grew as he time and time again showed his flair in attack. In last season's Heineken Cup he scored two tries against Perpignan from the full back position, including finishing off what many considered to be the try of the tournament. His form earned him his first call up to the Welsh squad. Since that point it has been a meteoric rise that has seen Priestland overtake Stephen Jones as Wales' and Scarlets' number one outside half and a number of journalists hail him as the Northern Hemisphere's best 10.
There is no doubting that Priestland has bags of natural talent in abundance, but it is also testament to Nigel Davies and his team's belief and perseverance that Priestland is showing his full potential to the World.
On the flip side of this steady development is George North. The giant winger needs no introduction as he has taken the rugby world by storm over the past 12 months. A little over a year ago North marked his debut for the Scarlets with a brace of tries against Treviso, little over two months later he grabbed another two on his international debut against South Africa. Since then records have been toppling for North; the youngest Welsh try scorer, youngest World cup try scorer, youngest World Cup semi-finalist. One wonders how many more records will be surpassed by North over his career. His power and pace have brought about comparisons with the great Jonah Lomu, an accolade North himself has been astounded by. In fact so steep has been North's rise that he has played as many games for Wales as he had for the Scarlets.
The success of these players has given rise to an interesting scenario at Parc Y Scarlets. While the new Scarlet internationals are away on Welsh duty, the Scarlets are having to turn to more youngsters to fill their boots. Already this season players like Adam Warren and Aaron Shingler have made an impact in the Pro 12. It appears that there are no signs that the talent pool down in West Wales is drying up.
Enter two more young Scarlets who have been called into the Welsh training squad. Liam Williams, who like North finds himself on the Warren Gatland's radar weeks into his first professional season. Although the young full back will not make his international debut this autumn, he will benefit immensely from a call-up to Wales' autumn training camp. The same can be said for young prop Rhodri Jones, who although his chances at the Scarlets have been limited was invited to join the training camp. With Adam Jones coming to the end of his career, Jones has already been suggested as a possible replacement and is one to look out for over the coming months.
This season and next will be the true test of how well the Scarlet development plan has worked. On the wave of confidence following Wales' World Cup, there is a real chance for these players to lead to Scarlets to some silverware.
