Seven Things We Learned From The First Seven Rounds In The URC: 6/7

Welsh young guns

Reductions in squad numbers at the Welsh regions have presented challenges but also opportunities for a posse of home-grown youngsters who have really grabbed their chance.

Cardiff flanker Alex Mann, 21, is a perfect example.

Prior to this season, he hadn’t played a single minute of BKT URC rugby.

But he has now started all but one of their league games this term and has made more tackles (103) than any other player in the competition.

Fellow back row Mackenzie Martin, 20, has also caught the eye at the Arms Park, with his imposing 6ft 5ins, 18st 6lbs frame having earned him the nickname ‘Big Mac’.

Cam Winnett, 20, has been both assured and enterprising at full-back, filling the vacancy created by Liam Williams’ departure for Japan so well that he is being tipped for a Wales Six Nations squad spot, while prop forward Rhys Litterick, a recruit from Harlequins, is a further new face who has made a positive impact.

Turning to the other regions, James Fender has huge shoes to fill at the Ospreys, stepping into the berth occupied for so long by the now-retired Alun Wyn Jones, but he looks a big prospect in every sense, at 6ft 7ins and 19st 1ins.

One row further back, Harri Deaves is making his presence felt at openside flanker, putting in a Round 7 best of 25 tackles against Benetton, while there is a lot of interest about when classy English-born full-back Max Nagy - who studied at Swansea University - will become eligible for Wales.

At the Scarlets, centre Eddie James, 20, is a forceful figure in midfield, while Carwyn Tuipulotu is yet another back row talent progressing nicely, as is the Dragons’ teenage flanker Ryan Woodman.

Veteran Cardiff captain Josh Turnbull, who has seen it all in Welsh rugby, sums it up well when reflecting on the fresh faces forcing their way forward.

“What you get with youngsters is they are fearless when they go on the pitch,” he said.

“They just want to play rugby and they’ll have a crack from anywhere.

“These young kids are the future and they keep you on your toes, making you work harder than ever. It’s good to be around them. They help keep me young!”