Scorpions add five more players
South Wales Scorpions have confirmed that five more players will be part of their squad for the 2015 season.
Centres Jack Pring and Kyle Scrivens, along with forwards Osian Phillips, Lloyd O’Connor and Dafydd Hellard, have inked deals with the club.
There are now 21 registered players in place for 2015, with three more of last year’s squad still in negotiations with the club.
A trial was also held recently at Ystrad Mynach, and the club are now confident that they will have a group of 25-30 players ready for next season.
Almost all of them will be Welsh-born or qualified to play for Wales, as development work in the Principality begins to really pay off on a local level.
“It’s great news that another five players have agreed to stay with the club for the 2015 season,” said Scorpions coach Mike Grady.
“Jack Pring had a good season in 2014 and was one of the first names on the team sheet each week. For a young bloke he has plenty of experience including representing Wales.
“The exciting thing about Jack is that there is a lot more in him and I’m looking forward to him building on the 2014 season with an even better season in 2015.
“Kyle Scrivens for me has been one of the highlights of the season. In his first season at this level he has made the Welsh European Championship Squad and earned himself two well deserved caps.
“Kyle is a solid defender with a never say die attitude, again I’m looking forward to seeing how Kyle develops and kicks on from his first season at this level.
“Both Jack and Kyle’s international experience will be beneficial for the other lads in the squad, especially the academy lads we have signed for 2015.
“Lloyd O’Connor came to us midway through 2014 from London Skolars and I was very impressed with what he brought. A very skilful player with an eye for a gap, I expect Lloyd to kick on massively after we have a good pre-season.
“Osian Phillips is one who will be looking to cement his place next season. He finished the season really strong and one of our better performers.
“I’m sure he will be looking to take that form into next season and get off to a flyer, he’s a big aggressive forward who puts his body on the line each week.
“Dafydd Hellard is a player I’m looking forward to seeing develop. It was his first season with the Scorpions and he had a good season, started the season well scoring a fantastic try for his first one at this level.
“He is very strong up top which makes it difficult for defenders when he got the ball. For me, this is his year to really kick on and get a regular spot in the side, I’m looking for a big pre-season from him.”