Wales keeping tabs on exciting new talent emerging at Bristol

THIS season both Steve Tandy and Wales U20s head coach Richard Whiffin will be keeping a close eye on every Welsh-qualified player based across the Severn Bridge.

- STEFFAN THOMAS Rugby correspondent [e-mail]

One player who will be of particular interest to Whiffin is 18-year-old Bristol Bears speedster Evan Morris, who can play on the wing and at fullback.

Morris is a product of South Gower REC but after taking up a scholarship at the prestigious Millfield School is a member of the Bristol Bears senior academy and big things are expected of the youngster.

‘The teenager made his senior debut alongside Louis Rees-Zammit as a replacement in Bristol's 40-24 victory over Gloucester in the Premiership Cup at Kingsholm on Friday night.

Morris is one for the future but those in the know are confident he will get some game-time in the senior Bears side this season and the 18-year-old is confident he can make a big impression.

“My ability to beat defenders is the big thing” he tells WalesOnline.

“I pride myself on always beating the first man and creating space when there's not a lot of space and creating ground where there’s nota lot on.

“I'd like to call myself quite exciting to watch.

“The aerial game is definitely a strength of my game as well because I can jump very high.

“Growing up I used to watch a lot of Christian Cullen clips, while I’m also a big fan of Liam Williams and his aerial ability is something I've looked to emulate.”

Morris has bags of pace and is deceptively strong, and he is also a very dangerous broken-field runner.