Welsh rugby faces losing one of its brightest prospects with Neath’s promising young lock Alex Humfrey (pictured left), linking with English Premiership giants.

The 20 year old Humfrey has proved himself a firm favourite at The Gnoll over the last two seasons with his dynamic approach and hard-hitting tackling.

He joined Neath in 2014 from Crymych Youth where former All Blacks captain Kevin Phillips was his coach but now the science student is linking with one of the leading sides in the country where he will reinforce a Welsh colony which boasts Rhys Priestland as well as Luke Charteris and Taulupe Faletau who have also joined Bath this year.

The loss of Humfrey comes as no surprise to Neath as he is studying at Bath University and Bath took an interest in him last year when he figured for Bath’s ‘A’ team.

Neath team manager Martyn Morris said, “Alex has kept us informed all the way and has trained there this summer rather than with us. We did try to point him in The Ospreys’ direction and he would have been involved with Wales Sevens but full-time study and travelling back from the West Country was a hindrance.

“Really he is an outstanding prospect and we are just glad to have had him and helped develop him for the past two seasons. For his part, Alex loves Neath and says that if he ever comes back to the Welsh Premiership he will only ever play for Neath.

“We will not hold back any player who can make it professionally. It is a credit to Neath that we can promote such talent and Alex is entering his vital third year in university so it makes sense for him to play on his doorstep.

“We have strengthened our second row resources with the return of Lyndon Bateman and the addition of Tom Hayward and we wish Alex the very best of luck – although we’d obviously be delighted to see him back at any time.”