There would have been no shortage of candidates had there been an award for the title of Wales’ most promising rugby player in 2022.
Dewi Lake, anyone?
Or perhaps the scrappers' scrapper, Tommy Reffell.
Or maybe Christ Tshiunza, Dafydd Jenkins, Taine Basham or Jac Morgan? Take your pick.
If the rules allowed, Louis Rees-Zammit would surely have been there or thereabouts.
Rare is it for so many quality Welsh youngsters to be establishing themselves all at once.
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Any one of them would have done justice to the award, which has been run by the Welsh Rugby Writers' Association since 1978.
We take a look at previous winners.
1978: Pat Daniels (Cardiff)
The centre had joined Cardiff from Glamorgan Wanderers at the start of the season and rapidly made a mark at the Arms Park as an incisive runner blessed with power and guile. There were injuries along the way, but the hard-running Daniels played 143 times for Cardiff, scoring 71 tries, including five in one game against London Welsh. Also won two senior Wales caps.
1979: Peter Morgan (Llanelli)
The skilful utility back’s performances won him a place on the Wales replacement bench in his first season of senior rugby. Able to play at fly-half and in centre, he had learned from being in the same club set-up as Phil Bennett and went on to win four caps for Wales and tour with the Lions to South Africa in 1980.
1980: Gary Pearce (Bridgend)
The fly-half from west Wales helped Bridgend retain the Welsh Cup in the year he was seen as Wales’ most promising player. Stocky but with an enterprising running game, he also proved a prodigious points gatherer for the Brewery Field club and later figured for Llanelli. Won three senior union caps for all told before heading for rugby league.
1981: Mark Douglas (Llanelli)
The scrum-half was just 19 when he appeared for Llanelli against New Zealand, partnering Phil Bennett — “the best player I ever played with”, Douglas later said. The youngster banked three caps for the Wales senior team in the 1984 Five Nations. Was playing rugby for Lampeter into his 40s.
1982: Mike Lewis (Aberavon)
A memorable solo try in a Welsh Cup semi-final against Bridgend helped Lewis lift the silverware as the year’s most promising player. He never won a senior Wales cap, but his reputation as a clever, scheming fly-half went with him wherever he played.
1983: Adrian Hadley (Cardiff)
There was a battle between Hadley and David Bishop for the award, with wing Hadley taking the verdict after scoring 26 tries for Cardiff and winning selection for Wales on their summer tour to Spain. The wide-man picked up 27 caps before leaving for rugby league, with his nine tries including two against England at Twickenham in 1988.
1984: Geraint John (South Glamorgan Institute)
The cool, clever fly-half featured for Llanelli and then Cardiff, where he spent 14 seasons. He played for a Wales President’s XV but didn’t win a senior cap. Now the Welsh Rugby Union’s community director.
1985: Ieuan Evans (Llanelli)
In his first season with Llanelli he proved a dynamic utility back, with fine displays at full-back and in the centre. But he settled to become a wing great, scoring 191 tries in 231 outings for the west Walians and 33 in 72 games for Wales. There were also seven Tests for the Lions with Evans remembered for scoring the series-winning try against Australia in 1989. In full-flight, the former Wales captain was a sight to behold.
1986: Glenn Webbe (Bridgend)
Thirty-nine tries, one of them while guesting for Neath, helped make Webbe the country’s most promising youngster. Strong and quick, he won 10 senior caps from 1986 to 1988; many felt he should have earned more.
1987: Richard Webster (Swansea)
The first forward to win the award, teak-hard flanker Webster pipped his Swansea RFC colleague Anthony Clement for the honour, despite Clement taking the man-of-the-match award in the Welsh Cup final. Webster had a superb season, mind. Recklessly brave, he spent much time in harm’s way and was relentless around the field. Won 13 caps with Wales, toured with the Lions in 1993 and won a European Cup with Bath after returning from a stint in rugby league.
1988: Adrian Davies (Neath)
Then 19, the Neath fly-half burst on the scene as a talent who didn’t ruffle easily. Back then he was playing behind the Welsh All Blacks’ mean and uncompromising pack. He would later feature for Cardiff and then Richmond. Figured nine times for Wales, filled the director of rugby role at London Welsh between 1999 and 2004.
1989: Colin Stephens (Llanelli)
The jinking, darting, stepping fly-half was successor to Jonathan Davies at Stradey Park. He scored 219 points as he caught the eye as a youngster, earning him a place on Wales' B-type tour of Canada in 1989. Four senior caps followed, while Stephens was man of the match when Llanelli tamed Australia in 1992-93, orchestrating play brilliantly.
1990: Steve Williams (Swansea)
The back-row forward captained Wales to victory over Scotland in an U21 clash and looked a huge prospect for Swansea. Injuries hit him hard, but Williams made it to 28 caps with Wales, a relatively modest figure that didn’t reflect his talent. The athletic, ball-handler was a very fine player. Breaking through, he looked capable of winning 50 caps.
1991: Luc Evans (Llanelli)
So small, but so dangerous, he could play with equal skill at fly-half or centre. Joined Llanelli from Bridgend and also played for Swansea and Treorchy. Won only one Wales cap but was an adventurer crowds enjoyed watching.
1992: Scott Quinnell
A clear winner after helping Llanelli to a Welsh Cup final success over Swansea. When he won the award he had never been on a losing side for Wales at schools, youth, U19 and U21 levels. The No. 8 was immensely powerful and an obvious senior international in the making. Won 55 caps, three of them for the Lions, and also had success during a brief stint in rugby league. Injuries punctuated his career but for his ball-carrying alone, he deserves to be spoken of in any discussion about Wales No. 8 greats.
1993: Rob Howley (Bridgend)
“His two tries to shock Neath in the Swalec Cup semi-final was reminder enough that this outstanding player will snatch a mile if given an inch.” So said the Rugby Annual for Wales after Holwey was named most promising player. He was explosive, quick and supremely fit, yet didn’t play for Wales until he was 25, going on to win 59 caps for his country and play in two Test for the Lions. Lifted the European Cup with Wasps, scoring a try in the final against Toulouse. When he retired because of injury in 2004, he did so with his standing as an iconic Wales scrum-half assured.
1994: Paul John (Pontypridd)
Made it a Pontypridd double by winning the bauble for most promising player while Neil Jenkins took the Welsh player-of-the-year gong. The pair were superb for the Sardis Road club at the time. Astute scrum-half John collected 10 caps for Wales between 1994 and 1998.
1995: Justin Thomas (Cardiff Institute of Higher Education, Llanelli RFC)
The lightning-quick Thomas featured in most positions behind the scrum for the students and played for Wales U21, Wales A and won a place in Wales’ World Cup squad. He went on to play nine times for his country at full-back.
1996: Lee Jarvis (Pontypridd)
A sensational goal-kicker who could bisect the posts from improbable distances, the fly-half also showed extraordinary maturity when bursting onto the scene. He picked up just the solitary cap for Wales, but with his confidence and supreme marksmanship, he could win matches almost on his own, with opponents nervous about giving away penalties even 60 metres out. You can r ead more about Jarvis, the bag full of cash and his Wales career here.
1997: Kevin Morgan (Pontypridd)
Burst through with some audacious displays for Pontypridd which endeared him to the Sardis Road faithful. Won his first Wales cap at the age of 20 and finished with 48. Very fast and very bold, he scored the 2005 try against Ireland that went a long way to sealing Wales’ first Grand Slam in 27 years, the score earning him the nickname ‘The Knife’ as he carved through the Irish defence.
1998: Darril Williams (Llanelli)
Razor sharp and with the ability to slice through opposition defences, the full-back joined Llanelli from Bonymaen and made an immediate impact, helping Llanelli win the Welsh Cup. He was tipped as a starlet to watch but won just the solitary Wales cap, against South Africa in 1998. A focus on his studies away from rugby — he was training to become a dentist — and serious injuries curtailed his career. These days he has a dental practice in Mumbles. You can read more about Williams' life here.
1999: Shane Williams (Neath)
Headed Gareth Cooper, Cerith Rees and Rhys Williams for the gong after a superlative campaign for Neath. Fresh out of Amman United, the future world player of the year was rarely out of the limelight with his elusive running and appetite for tries. Eighty-seven Wales caps were to come his way along with a record 58 tries for his country. There were also four Lions Tests, but statistics alone can never do justice to what the little wing brought.
2000: Mark Jones
Arrived at Llanelli from Llandovery and wasted little time making a mark. The wing from Builth Wells could motor from 0 to 60 in the blink of an eye and would win 47 Wales caps despite suffering a number of serious injuries.
2001: Gavin Henson (Swansea)
The Rugby Annual for Wales entry for this one reads thus: “Exciting Gavin Henson…was overwhelmingly chosen as most promising Welsh player, a title that was beyond dispute. In fact, he was 50 votes ahead of his nearest rivals. The Swansea outside half’s margin of voting was one of the most conclusive in the history of the event.”
Henson was a sublime talent with a sharp rugby brain, a gliding running style and the ability to propel the ball prodigious distances. Yet he never played at a World Cup, a victim of injuries and questionable selection. There were still hugely important roles in the 2005 and 2008 Grand Slams. Won 33 Wales caps and one for the Lions. It was a joy to watch him play.
2002: Gethin Jenkins (Pontypridd)
It was apparent from the start Jenkins was no obvious prop forward. Even as a youngster he was crashing into the breakdown to emerge with possession for his team, while his fitness levels were off the scale. He was a clear winner as the Welsh game’s best up-and-comer. Won three Grand Slams with Wales. Is now the national team’s defence coach. An all-time great.
2003: Mike Phillips (Llanelli)
A runaway winner, Phillips had made a big impact at Llanelli and figured as a replacement for Wales in the uncapped game against the Barbarians. Standing 6ft 3in and impactful in all he did, while blessed with a huge will to win, Phillips was to hit the heights with Wales and the Lions, proving a force in the Welsh Grand Slam teams of 2008 and 2012. Believed in himself and never backed down on a rugby pitch, he proved a wonderful competitor for Wales.
2004: Barry Davies (Llanelli)
An audacious attacker who could also kick goals, the full-back was seen as a ‘special favourite’ with Scarlets fans as he made his way up the rugby ladder. Easy to deal with off the pitch, he was well-liked among his peers. Won one Wales cap, against Ireland in 2006.
2005: Matthew Jones (Ospreys)
The Maesteg product helped the Ospreys win the Celtic League and won a Wales cap on the tour of north America. Another top man when it came to media dealings, grounded and helpful, but a serious knee injury jolted the No. 10's career. Now assistant coach at Bridgend Ravens, for whom he played last season.
2006: James Hook (Neath)
He proved the star of the Neath team who won the Welsh Premier Division title in 2005/06. Hook piled up points and built a reputation as a runner with an eye for a gap. A first Wales cap followed before he had started a game for the Ospreys, while Hook went on to play 81 times for his country. Likable and a class act on and off the field, he’s building a post-playing career as a coach and as a pundit.
2007: Tom James (Cardiff)
Was considered a hot prospect, having scored 12 tries in as many games for Cardiff RFC and made an immediate impact on the regional scene. There were few more dangerous broken-field runners than James.
Walking out of a national training camp after being left out for a Test with Italy in 2010 wouldn’t have been seen as a top tip in any book entitled How To Win 50 Caps For Your Country.
James battled back to win two more caps in 2016 and was never less than popular wherever he played.
Battled depression and took a career break, returned to rugby and figured for Scarlets before bowing out in 2020 at the age of 33.
2008: Jamie Roberts
Roberts had already been capped by Wales, on the wing, when he was named most promising player of the year. He went on to enjoy a stellar career that saw him amass 94 Wales caps and three for the Lions, for whom he was man of the series on the trip to South Africa in 2009. Skippered Wales on tour in 2017, the big and amiable centre will be remembered as one of the key players of the Warren Gatland era.
2009: Jason Tovey
Became the first player to score a hat-trick of tries in a competitive game for the Dragons, having previously been named in a Wales senior squad only for a Heineken Cup play-off to prevent him taking up his spot. Tovey remains the Dragon’s record points scorer but he didn’t win a Wales cap. Left Cardiff at the end of last season and is now with division two east club Ynysddu.
2010: Ken Owens (Scarlets)
A year after being acknowledged as one to watch, Owens figured as a replacement for Wales at the 2011 World Cup. The popular hooker has since been consistently excellent for the Scarlets, helping to inspire a Guinness PRO12 title success in 2017. He has also been an inspiration for Wales, piling up 82 caps, along with five Test outings for the Lions.
2011: Taulupe Faletau (Dragons)
Those who tipped Faletau for great things should be applauded for their foresight, with the No. 8 going on to become one of his country’s greatest players. He has played in two Lions series and was to the fore when Wales won a Grand Slam in 2012 and retained the Six Nations title a year later. Quiet off the pitch, he is outstanding on it, with his play screaming with quality.
2012: Ashley Beck (Ospreys)
Hugely creative and with power and subtlety to match, he seemed set for many Wales caps but has just seven in his locker to date. Injuries hammered him at key points, while it wasn’t easy to break up the Jamie Roberts-Jon Davies partnership with Wales. Now with Worcester.
2013: Eli Walker (Ospreys)
In 2013 Gwyn Jones described Eli Walker “as exciting a player to watch as anyone in Europe”. The ex-Wales captain continued: “In less than a month he has made Toulouse and Leicester look like Sunday league teams.” But, as with Beck, injuries piled up for Walker, with a bump forcing him into premature retirement as a player at the age of 25.
2014: Owen Williams (Leicester Tigers)
A series of match-winning shows for Leicester Tigers saw Williams come to accolade-winning attention. The fly-half or centre performed well for Wales in the Tests against Australia and New Zealand in 2017 but hasn’t been helped by injuries and playing in England. Three caps do not do justice to his ability.
2015: James Davies (Scarlets)
The openside flanker’s retirement as a player earlier this year because of concussion issues signalled the winding up of the ‘Cubby for Wales’ group. Their man played in 11 Tests but his admirers will feel he might have figured more often. His peak came when helping the Scarlets to the Pro 12 title in 2017. Davies was sensational that year, particularly at the breakdown. Having Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric to compete with at Test level didn’t help.
2016: Ellis Jenkins (Cardiff)
A player who takes responsibility, he showed his quality from a young age and had looked on course for the 2019 World Cup until a major knee injury struck against South Africa in the autumn of 2018. The bump would have finished many but Jenkins dug deep to return to rugby and the Test arena. It was a huge achievement by any standard.
2017: Steff Evans (Scarlets)
The little wing earned his title after some outstanding shows for the Scarlets, with his Wales debut coming in June 2017. He no longer seems in the Wales picture but remains elusive and dangerous.
2018: Jarrod Evans (Cardiff)
A box of tricks with his running, Evans has worked hard to improve his game-control but still has only eight Wales caps. He is a game-breaker, though, and still has time to add to his tally.
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2019: Owen Lane (Cardiff)
The powerful three-quarter scored 11 tries in 18 games for Cardiff en route to picking up his most-promising-player award. In attack he remains a serious force. If he can tighten his defence he may yet force his way into the reckoning for next year’s World Cup in France.
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