By Peter Ryan
As a national side, Wales is still trying to find its feet after the 2023 World Cup.
Many familiar faces walked away from the Principality Stadium, which meant many young players were forced to step up significantly.
One of the critical weaknesses in the team right now is at fly-half. Warren Gatland has experimented with the position extensively over the last year.
Many athletes have been given the chance to showcase their talents as the primary playmaker. However, there is one rising star at Ospreys who could signal hope for the future.
Dan Edwards appears to be a phenomenal talent who could ignite Wales in the years to come.
Wales’ Fly-Half Situation
It will always be nearly impossible to fill Dan Biggar’s boots. The former Welsh international built quite a legacy in the number ten shirt.
Sam Costelow looked like the natural successor in the role.
However, despite some positive signs, his performances have not set the world alight. His fellow Scarlets teammate, Ioan Lloyd, has been on many people’s radars since arriving in Llanelli from Bristol Bears.
Lloyd brings the fight to any opposition and has a very attacking mindset, willing to try new things on the pitch.
The last player to wear the shirt for Wales is Cardiff’s Ben Thomas. He was given the opportunity to play ten for Wales, even though at club level he plays 12, which left many questioning why he was not playing inside centre for Wales.
Each player has had some great moments when playing, yet the position remains up for grabs.
Dan Edwards: A Rising Star
Edwards is a young player who has been making waves over the last couple of years.
He is part of a promising core of emerging players, along with the likes of Morgan Morse and Harri Deaves. The 21-year-old’s rugby roots lie at Cwmafan RFC, and he is a fantastic prospect.
In 2022, Edwards produced some quality performances in the Indigo Premiership for Aberavon and Swansea.
Last season, Edwards’s skills came to the forefront, and he was a standout player in an impressive campaign for the Ospreys.
Watching Edwards play, it is clear the young fly-half has a high ceiling. He is a very well-rounded competitor, but what makes him stand out is his ability to perform under pressure.
When looking at the greats in the position, their ability to produce moments of quality when their teams need it the most is key.
Edwards demonstrated his clutch play against Ulster last year, when a last-minute drop goal secured a memorable victory in Swansea.
It would be interesting to see what Edwards could do internationally. Wales must reward the rising star with a chance in the Autumn; he played well at under-20 level and should be considered for the senior side.
Returning Players Will Have Their Say
Players with international experience will be returning to the fold this year. One of the biggest signings was Callum Sheedy, who joined Cardiff.
Sheedy has 16 Welsh caps and has delivered impressive performances in a Wales shirt. However, Sheedy has not worn a Wales shirt for a few years.
Now that he plays his rugby at Arms Park and looks in fine form, the 28-year-old will be eyeing national selection in the coming weeks.
Gareth Anscombe is a quality player who does not get the credit he deserves.
Major injuries have hampered the fly-half’s career, but after returning to the field for the first time since the 2023 World Cup, Anscombe will hope to get some real game time with Gloucester this year.
His influence and experience should bolster this young Wales squad. The key for Anscombe is staying healthy.
Gatland will have a lot of options to choose from when it comes to fly-half, but Edwards seems like the most exciting choice.
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