Wales could join the fight for the services of Henry Arundell, the outstanding teen who lit up the recent U20 Six Nations.
The gifted and tryscoring 19-year-old is said to be on the radar of not only the England senior set-up but also of Scotland and Wales, for whom he qualifies via grandparents according to reports.
Full-back Arundell made a big impression for England in the junior Six Nations, scoring two tries against Wales and one apiece against the Scots and France, with the touchdown in Edinburgh described as a “moment of sheer magic” as the youngster ran 80 metres to score.
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So highly rated is the London Irish prospect that, according to the Mail, Eddie Jones may consider fast-tracking him into England's senior Test squad — potentially as soon as this summer, when they tour Australia. But the newspaper also report that Scotland are thought to be checking out Arundell as a possible long-term successor to current captain Stuart Hogg and say “with Wales understood to be monitoring his situation closely, too, the young flyer is much in demand”.
Harrow-educated Arundell will have a decision to make, then. His possible problem if he throws in his lot with England is that they have another young No. 15 of outstanding potential. At 21, the 6ft 5in Freddie Steward has already attracted rave reviews, with Red Rose head coach Jones saying: “If he keeps his feet on the ground, he could have a great career.” Really, Steward could be England’s number one full-back for the next decade.
Wales have a proven and stellar last line of defence in Liam Williams who would challenge for a place in any Test team, but he’s 31 and at some point they’ll need to think of who'll follow him. It remains to be seen what happens with Leigh Halfpenny, but he is 34 this year.
So young Arundell could find greater opportunities to shine at Test level by throwing in his lot with Wales.
