Born in Solihull but Bevan chasing Wales spot
For Ellis Bevan, the dream has always been to play for Wales, even though he was born and raised in England.
Now he has taken a major step towards achieving that goal, having been named in Warren Gatland’s squad for the summer Test series.
The scrum-half is one of five uncapped players in the 37-strong group, along with fellow Cardiff back Jacob Beetham, center Eddie James and wingers Josh Hathaway and Keelan Giles.
As one of only three No.9s selected – along with Gareth Davies and Kieran Hardy – he looks certain to go on the summer tour of Australia, with a trimmed down 34-man party to be announced after the Twickenham Test against South Africa in a fortnight’s time.
It’s the culmination of a real breakthrough season for Bevan, who has made 18 appearances for his region, stepping up to the plate as a regular starter following the ankle ligament injury suffered by Wales star Tomos Williams.
Gatland says the 24-year-old offers something a bit different, providing both physicality and a left-footed kicking option. What has also stood out this term is his athleticism, fitness and defensive work-rate.
Born in Solihull, he began his rugby journey with local clubs Pertemps Bees and Old Silhillians, before going on to attend Bryanston College, in Dorset. But he was always very aware of his Welsh roots, with his father hailing from Swansea.
“He moved to the Midlands for work when he was in his mid-20s and he’s been there ever since,” he explains. “He had a massive impact in terms of pushing my Welsh roots. It’s always been a Welsh household in terms of the mentality of it.
“Come the Six Nations and autumn internationals, we would be at the Principality Stadium. So it’s always been Wales.”
That’s confirmed by the identity of his favourite players growing up.
“My first recollection of rugby was probably Shane Williams. He was my hero, him side-stepping and that sort of stuff. Then I fully invested in rugby and became a proper fan around 2012, 2013, with the Grand Slam and into the Lions where Wales had such a big impact.
“Growing up and becoming a scrum-half, I looked at Aaron Smith for technical and Mike Phillips for the bigger, physical attributes of a No.9.”
Following a spell with the Bath Academy, Bevan moved across the bridge to study business and law at Cardiff Met, adding Wales U20s caps to those won at U18s and U19s level while part of the Exiles system.
In his final year at University, in 2020, he was offered the chance to train with Cardiff and secured a regional contract, making steady progress since then.
As for the rest of the Wales squad, there are recalls for Japan-based duo Liam Williams and Cory Hill, along with centre/fly-half Ben Thomas, hooker Sam Parry, prop Henry Thomas and lock Matthew Screech. World Cup co-captains Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake return after missing the Six Nations through injury, as do Taine Plumtree, Christ Tshiunza and Ben Carter.
WALES SUMMER SQUAD
Forwards: Corey Domachowski, Kemsley Mathias, Gareth Thomas, Elliot Dee, Dewi Lake, Evan Lloyd, Sam Parry, Keiron Assiratti, Archie Griffin, Dillon Lewis, Harri O’Connor, Henry Thomas, Ben Carter, Cory Hill, Dafydd Jenkins, Matthew Screech, Christ Tshiunza, Mackenzie Martin, Jac Morgan, Taine Plumtree, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright
Backs: Ellis Bevan, Gareth Davies, Kieran Hardy, Sam Costelow, Mason Grady, Eddie James, Ben Thomas, Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin, Rio Dyer, Keelan Giles, Josh Hathaway, Liam Williams, Jacob Beetham, Cameron Winnett
