A Shootout For Wales’  Six Nations Fly-Half Taking Place Down West

The number ten jersey is exceptional in Welsh rugby. There have been many sensational players that have worn the legendary number.

Players like Stephen Jones, Dan Bigger, and Neil Jenkins. Wales will be looking for a new ten now that Bigger has retired from international rugby.

Also, Gareth Anscombe has moved to Japan. Yet, there are young fly-halves coming through. Two players in Llanelli Scarlets can fulfil that role for Wales.

Of course, these players are Sam Costelow and Ioan Lloyd. Who will be looking to make an impact over the Six Nations to show they are the future of their nation.

Sam Costelow

Now, Costelow seems to be the clear option to take the mantle from Bigger. There have been positive signs that the young fly-half can produce.

He took a more prominent role in the World Cup than many people expected due to injuries to Bigger and Anscombe. The 22-year-old has been part of the Ospreys set-up.

He played a central role in the Wales Under 20s team. He joined the Scarlets in 2020 after a stint with the Leicester Tigers.

He has impressed in his 49 appearances down west. His performances in Llanelli led to him getting his first cap against New Zealand in 2022.

Costelow’s key attribute is his consistency. You also know he will give a solid performance every time he steps on the pitch.

The player from Pencoed is very good at game management and is the type of player Warren Gatland likes to play.

He did suffer an injury against the Barbarians but has come back from injury. On his return, Costelow is the front-runner for the job.

Ioan Lloyd

There was a lot of hype around Lloyd coming to Scarlets from Bristol this season. The 22-year-old has his sights set on getting that Wales jersey.

He has always been a standout player wherever he has gone. Lloyd has played well, whether that is for Clifton College, Bristol Bears, or the Welsh youth teams.

Lloyd has played in the United Rugby Championship for Scarlets. Furthermore, he has been a shining light in a poor season for the Scarlets.

He is an exciting attacking player who likes to play an open game. It may be a positive going into a new era of Welsh rugby.

Lloyd is a good kicker of the tee, which is now as important as ever. The reason for this is that international games are as close as ever, and getting those points is crucial.

Lloyd seems to be an exciting prospect for Wales in the future.

Consistency is Key

Gatland likes a fly-half who is good at game management and is consistent. The Wales coach has selected the likes of Bigger and Jones in the past.

They were both fantastic game managers, accurate goal kickers and rarely made mistakes. Yet, there was a time when Bigger would start the game, and Sheedy would end it.

It shows that Gatland likes the balance between attacking and conservative play. Looking at the past, Costelow would fit the mould for Gatland’s ideal ten.

Yet, he has given players with similar styles to Lloyd a chance, such as James Hook. The decision at fly-half may suggest how Gatland will be building the team for Australia 2027.

Both players are in the squad along with Cai Evans. It will be interesting to see who Gatland picks. Furthermore, it will give us an idea of Wales attitude going into Six Nations.

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