The Welsh player who "stormed the scene" in Australia is on course to return to rugby in Wales early in the new season.
Jay Baker made such an impression with Manly Marlins there was unconfirmed chatter the Waratahs might be interested, while there was also a link with Major League Rugby in America.
Ultimately, amid the disruption caused by Covid, Baker returned home to Wales last year, rejoining Aberavon. But a major knee injury in pre-season training sidelined him for the whole of the 2021-22 campaign.
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Now, however, the winner of the Welsh Premiership’s best newcomer award for 2015-16 is not far from a return.
“We’ll hopefully have Jay back for late September or early October,” said Aberavon coach Jason Hyatt. “He’s looking really good and we are chuffed with the progress he’s making. It was a nasty old injury that he suffered but he’s done everything by the book and is not far from a return now.”
Surprisingly, it didn’t happen for such a skilful player at professional level. Baker was voted most-improved elite development player during a spell with the Ospreys but a year later departed the region.
But some of his tries at semi-pro level for Aberavon were memorable affairs, and he continued in that vein for Manly, with reports referring to his “fancy feet” and finishing prowess.
Within two months of his arrival at the club, Michael Hooper's team of origin, reports suggested the wing had "stormed onto the scene". You can read more about Baker's time Down Under here.
Hyatt is in no doubt about his talent. “A few years ago, I remember singing his praises and letting everyone know how special a talent we had at the club.” he said. “For whatever reason, it didn’t happen for him at regional level.
“But Bath invited Jay to spend a week with them and do some testing to see if he was that special or just good within a semi-pro environment. One afternoon, I had a call from a Bath coach saying they’d just tested Jay and he was the quickest player there over 40 metres.
"The guy is exceptional and when he’s fully fit he’s a wonderful attacking player. As a bit of a free spirit, he’s tremendous.
“We’re excited about having him back. We want our players to express themselves and we know if Jay expresses himself he’ll tear defences up.”
The note of caution is that it may take time for Baker to get fully up to speed after his injury. But when he does start hitting his stride again, he should prove to be one of the must-see acts in the Welsh Premiership with his penchant for broken-field running and scoring spectacular tries.
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