Australian Sevens international Jack Walsh is on his way to Wales, but with his destination still to be confirmed. The 22-year-old Exeter fly-half is to leave Sandy Park at the end of this season having secured an improved contract with a Welsh team.
That points to him joining one of the four regions. Cardiff contacts indicate he’s not heading to the Arms Park, while the Scarlets are pretty stacked at No 10, with the likes of Rhys Patchell, Sam Costelow and Dan Jones on board. As for the Dragons, they have signed Irish utility back JJ Hanrahan from Clermont Auvergne, with Sam Davies and Josh Lewis already in the squad.
The Ospreys would be the other option and there could potentially be scope on that front, with Stephen Myler out of contract and his 38th birthday coming up this summer. They currently have Gareth Anscombe and Josh Thomas as their other frontline fly-halves. You can read more about Myler's situation here.
Born in Florida, USA, Walsh grew up in Australia, going on to play for the Manley Marlins and earn international honours at U18s and Sevens level, while also progressing to the Waratahs development set-up. In 2020, he joined Exeter from the Marlins, coming on board as an English-qualified player. He has made eight appearances for the Devon club to date, including a start in last week’s Premiership Cup victory over Worcester. Now he is set to move on.
Revealing the news, Director of Rugby Rob Baxter said: “Jack Walsh is leaving next season. He came over on an opportunity contract from Australia and has done well for us. He has picked up an improved contract in Wales which will be great for him, a huge opportunity for him.”
Outlining the young playmaker’s attributes, Baxter previously said: “You watch him and you can see there is something there about him. There’s a bit of spark, there is something special. He has bags of talent.”
Talking about his rugby background, Sydney-sider Walsh said: “The same as every other kid, you play rugby because you’ve got great mates. It’s a great way to start your weekend and you’ve got the social aspects.
“When it gets a bit more serious, it gives you the opportunity to travel the world. It’s good for a fly-half to play in different conditions and learn different things. I guess rugby translates into life pretty well, so you are learning good life lessons and broadening your horizons from travelling to the other side of the world.”
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