GLOUCESTER new-boy Tom Young has been challenged to secure a long-term deal at Kingsholm after penning a temporary contract until the end of the season.
The Cherry and Whites have today confirmed the 21-year-old’s signing after he was released from his contract with Cardiff Blues early and he has already linked up with his new club.
Young has had limited opportunities at the Arms Park due to the presence of British and Lions captain Sam Warburton, fellow international Josh Navidi and former Wales Under-20 captain Ellis Jenkins.
But Young has been given a rugby lifeline by Nigel Davies, who reckons he has all the attributes to succeed at the top.
Davies said: “He’s been a very successful player through the age grades, he’s very combative and very good on the floor.
“There was an opportunity for him to move away from the Blues , we have space and this gives us the chance to have a good look at him.
“Cardiff are very well blessed in that position so it’s obviously been very tough for him to have opportunities. It just happens sometimes that you have three or four quality players come through in one position and you just can’t hold onto them all,
“He’s a little bit frustrated, he’s been playing at Pontypridd which is a high level and he’s been effective there
“There’s nothing for us to lose. We have him officially until the end of the season and hopefully he can show everyone what he’s capable of.”
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Young is of undeniable rugby pedigree as a former Wales Under-20 and the son of former Wales dual international Dai.
His father was also keen to secure his services but it was felt a move to Gloucester would better suit the specialist openside and he arrived at Hartpury on Monday.
Davies added: “Dai would have taken Tom himself but it was the second choice because it’s not ideal.
“We’re a little bit light in that area particularly with England and the Saxons coming into play.
“The boys have been impressed with him, particularly his contact work. He has a real heritage of age grade rugby and captained Wales Under-20s so he’s a good leader as well.
“He has played Matt Kvesic at age-grade level and is a similar type of player – very good over the ball and forcing turnovers.”
Meanwhile Cherry and White veteran Will James has confirmed he will hang up his boots at the end of the season.
The second-row, who was capped by Wales in the 2007 World Cup, has spent the last eight seasons at Kingsholm following a move from Cornish Pirates.
He has made 159 appearances for the club and will captain them in tonight’s LV=Cup clash against the Scarlets.
Following his retirement James will take up a coaching role at an independent school in Yorkshire.
He said: “I’ve had a great career but I want to finish on an absolute high. I’ll enjoy the games I’m going to be involved in and hopefully I’ve be involved in many more before the end of May.”
“Coaching is something I’ve been looking to get involved in for a while and it’s a great opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
Article source: http://www.dailystar.co.uk/rugby-league/361320/Rugby-Union-Northampton-s-Luther-Burrell-knows-that-he-can-perform-well-for-England
Gloucester Rugby: Tom Young challenged to earn longer deal
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