Wales find a 6ft 8in teenage giant who loves to 'beat up' opposition players
Wales find a 6ft 8in teenage giant who loves to 'beat up' opposition players
Luke Evans is a player Welsh rugby bosses are getting very excited about
Giant Wales U20s lock Luke Evans in action against Italy U20s
(Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency )
There is a school of thought that Wales' struggles at senior level are down to a collective lack of size and power in the pack.
That may well be true right now, but the future looks far brighter — and far bigger — in that regard. Last Tuesday, Wales U20s invited journalists up to the Welsh Rugby Union's National Centre of Excellence to chat, and every member of the squad was put up for interview.
There were two things which stood out; the confidence of the players and the sheer size of many of the forwards who will be more than a match for the traditional heavyweights like England, France and South Africa at the World Rugby U-20 Championship this summer.
One such player is Exeter Chiefs second-row Luke Evans, who is 6ft 8in and 117kg.
The 18-year-old is one of a number of front five forwards Wales are excited about, with the likes of tighthead Sam Scott, loosehead Ioan Emanuel and hooker Harry Thomas among a plethora of players capable of mixing it with the stronger packs at U20s level.
Evans is keen to showcase his physical prowess and make his mark this summer. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
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"There's a lot of big lumps everywhere you go but I think in this group we've got some very big boys," Evans told WalesOnline.
"You've got the likes of Sam Scott and Ioan Emanuel in the front-row while we've got some big boys at lock who can front up.
"Even the not so big ones back themselves on physicality so taking on the bigger packs isn't going to be a worry for us this summer.
"We aren't going to use size as an excuse.
"That's a bit of an oversight by the public because we back ourselves to beat teams physically.
"We are alright size wise."
Wales U20s will need their pack to be dominant from the outset this summer with Argentina U20s and France U20s - two of the most powerful forward packs - in their pool.
Evans is champing at the bit to get stuck into both teams.
"I love being able to front up to someone and beat them up legally on the field of play," said Evans.
"Size does help but I love that aggressive side of the game being physical and getting stuck in.
"That's my favourite part. My work rate is non-negotiable.
"I work as hard as I can and I'm as physical as I can be.
"As a second-row the set-piece is huge but it doesn't get you everything so being dominant in the set-piece is important.
"But I think my point of difference is around the park. I will be very busy in defence and attack.
"I like to get my hands on the ball as much as possible and make as many tackles as I can. I relish the physical side of things and like to be as aggressive as I can."
Luke Evans of Wales
(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd )
Big things are expected of Evans over the next few years.
After playing his junior rugby for Llanharan RFC and Pontyclun RFC, Evans made his debut for Wales U18s at just 16 years of age.
Such was his potential Evans took up an offer to join the Exeter Chiefs academy and was included in the England U18s squad.
The WRU were not prepared to lose a player of his quality so pulled out all the stops to get him back involved in the Welsh set-up.
Evans was born in Jersey so is eligible to represent all four of the home nations but makes it very clear his allegiance lies with Wales.
"I was only out there (Jersey) for a year but it managed to make me eligible for four different countries but I count myself as Welsh through and through," he said.
"All my family are Welsh and this is where I want to play my rugby.
"As a kid I always wanted to play for Wales.
"Having said that opportunities do come and if its right for you you've got to take them, but my childhood dream is to play for Wales.
"When I played for Wales U18s I was quite lucky in that I was 16 playing for those.
"I went down to Exeter. I captained Exeter U18s in the academy league when I had a few chats with the England coaches.
"I never actually played for England U18s. I went to a few camps but I picked up an injury so didn't manage to play.
"At the time it was the best for my progression.
"Nothing against Wales because I am Welsh through and through and want to play for Wales.
"I just think at the time it did help my progression both physically and rugby wise. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
"It was a tough decision at the time to go and choose England but at that time it felt right and was the best thing for my progression into Exeter and international.
"I think I came through it a better player."
Evans will study Sports Science at Exeter University from September and should get game time in the Bucs Super League while he will also train with the senior Exeter Chiefs squad.
This is a well-trodden path with senior Wales internationals Dafydd Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza having progressed through the same pathway.
Exeter Chiefs have endured their worst season in its Premiership history and there will naturally be a changing of the guard next season.
Evans wants to follow in Jenkins' footsteps by breaking into the Chiefs side and representing Wales over the next few years.
"I remember speaking to Rob Baxter before I signed for the club and what he said was if you are good enough you will play regardless of your age," he said.
"I know some coaches like to back experience but he's keen to give youth its chance.
"As you've seen this season even though we weren't doing so well he was still picking the youngsters.
"When I get the chance to go in and train with the likes of Daf Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza who are down there in my position it's great to compete and train with that level of player.
"It's great to go at them, work hard, compare myself to them and try to compete with the best.
"You see what he's (Daf Jenkins) done and how quickly it has all happened. I think it shows it is possible. Being around him and just picking things up in training or little things in games is invaluable.
"Everyone knows his main strength is his physicality and that's how I want to be like as well. So, I think learning from him, being physical and just picking up things is really helpful.
"If I want a little catch up I know he's there to speak to. Learning off him is great and is a perfect pathway for me to hopefully follow in his footsteps and do what he's done."
Evans comes from a family of athletes, with his father, David, an outstanding squash player who was once ranked number three in the world and represented Wales at three Commonwealth Games.
He also won the British Open event in 2000.
His grandfather Derrick also played top class rugby for Cross Keys.
Evans has learnt a great deal from his father and grandfather and is confident Wales U20s can compete to win the U20s World Championship this summer.
"My dad comes to all of my games as does my grandad," he said. "It's good for them to give me advice.
"He (his dad) doesn't speak about it too much but when I speak to other people they all say he was pretty good. Our family is built on working hard and grafting.
"We might not be the most skilful but we work hard and that's what we pride ourselves on hard work and physicality.
"If we (Wales U20s) aren't going there to win it then it's pointless going out there. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
"For us we are going out there to win it.
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"We will back ourselves as you saw during the Six Nations where we beat last year's world champions (England).
"We know as a group we can pick ourselves up and beat anyone in a one off game. Of course, it is going to be tough out there with quick turnarounds but we do back ourselves to beat anyone in a one off game."
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