By Peter Ryan – @PeterRyanSports
The fly-half position is most associated with the game of rugby union.
Many greats, like Dan Carter, Ronan O’Gara, and Jonny Wilkinson, have all worn ten on their backs. An out-half pulls the strings for their team in attack and is vital to the team’s success.
Wales have had sensational players in this position, with Stephen Jones, Neil Jenkins, and Carwyn James all having legendary careers in the game.
Dan Biggar had a firm grip on the 10 jersey for a long time, putting in many tremendous performances for his country.
However, since he departed from the international stage after the 2023 World Cup, Wales have struggled to find somebody to fill his boots.
Many have been given opportunities to shine in the role, yet one player at the Stoop shows real promise and could make an impact for his nation.
Jarrod Evans, of course, has impressed many people since his move to Harlequins.
The young Welshman is eligible for a call-up, and if given an opportunity, he would make the most of it.
Jarrod Evans
Evans’s rugby career began in the junior ranks of Pontyclun, where his talent was evident from a young age.
At 17, the fly-half made his senior debut for Pontypridd, following in the footsteps of Welsh internationals such as Neil Jenkins and Lee Jarvis.
Evans developed his game in the Cardiff Academy, leading to his senior debut for the club in 2015.
This marked the start of a fantastic stint in the Welsh capital, where he went on to make over a hundred appearances and score many points.
In his international career, Evans was part of a fantastic under-20s team that secured a Grand Slam in 2016.
This wasn’t the only time Evans was part of a Grand Slam-winning team, as he was also part of the senior squad in 2019.
November 3rd, 2018 will live long in the memory of the fly-half as he achieved what many people in Wales dream of from a young age: against Scotland, he made his international debut.
Evans is a very entertaining player on the field, capable of producing magic. Known for his creative playmaking, he can unlock defences with his vision and precision.
Evans is a threat in attack, always knowing how to find space and capable of delivering pinpoint passes.
His kicking ability is a significant strength in the out-half’s game, as his placement can cause headaches for full-backs.
A fly-half’s ability to perform in crucial moments and remain composed is vital, as it can often be the margin between a team winning and losing.
Evidence of Evans being cool under pressure was on display when he calmly slotted a last-minute penalty to secure a win over Leinster in 2022, marking the Welsh side’s first win over the Irish juggernaut since 2011.
Evans is an exceptional competitor and now has the perfect blend of experience and talent to make him a dangerous threat to any team.
A Move Across the Severn
2023 marked an exciting time in Evans’ career as he moved away from Wales to join Harlequins.
Naturally, it would always be tough for him to secure regular starting time when competing with Marcus Smith.
Even though Evans has not had the starting opportunities he would have wanted, the 28-year-old has given an excellent account of himself since arriving at Harlequins.
The English club’s expansive, fast-paced style suits the former Pontypridd player perfectly.
Working with attack coaches such as Nick Evans is bound to help his game progress, and competing with a player of Smith’s calibre will push him to improve further.
Evans often makes a noticeable impact when coming off the bench and has contributed significantly to the Harlequins set-up.
Reminiscent of the Cardiff-Leinster game in 2022, Evans slotted a last-minute penalty to secure a hard-fought win against the Bristol Bears.
His exposure to the diverse playing styles in the Gallagher Premiership has helped him improve as a competitor and given him valuable experience in analysing different defensive structures.
His time with Harlequins has undoubtedly developed him further, making it intriguing to see what he could achieve on the international stage.
Will He Get Another Shot with Wales?
Wales are coming off a disappointing Autumn Nations Series, losing three games in front of the Cardiff crowd.
It highlights a desperate need for change, and Welsh rugby must explore every avenue for quality talent.
As stated before, Wales have struggled to find a 10 to replace Dan Biggar permanently. Gareth Anscombe, Sam Costelow, and Ben Thomas have all stepped into the role of primary playmaker.
However, Evans is a player in the prime of his career, with a well-balanced blend of talent and experience.
There is significant potential in this Welsh backline, with some tremendous athletes to choose from.
With his pro-level playmaking skills, Evans could truly unlock its potential. Additionally, his style of play would complement scrum-half Tomos Williams exceptionally well.
Evans can bring a sense of stability to the role, offering hope for the future of Welsh rugby and potentially helping to lead Wales into the 2027 World Cup.
While replacing a player of Dan Biggar’s stature is never easy, Jarrod Evans has shown that he can perform under pressure and produce game-changing moments on the field.
His unique playing style and competitive spirit make him a strong contender for the fly-half position.
Given his track record and potential, there’s every reason to give him another opportunity to shine in the famous red jersey.
