Neath RFC have signed current Wales 7s forward and ex Ospreys back rower Lloyd Evans for the Premiership 2018/19 season. The 6 foot, 27 year old previously made his mark in the Premiership with Bridgend Ravens, playing at both No 8 and open side flanker and got picked up by the Ospreys off the back of his league performances. Lloyd made six appearances for the Ospreys before picking up a contract with Wales 7s where he’s played over a hundred games on the World 7 Series scoring twenty two tries.

After deciding to switch back to fifteens, Lloyd’s path leads to Neath RFC after his friend Rhys Webb got in touch with Neath RFC Chairman, Mike Cuddy, to discuss Lloyd’s abilities and to suggest a switch to the Gnoll.

Lloyd commented on his move the Welsh All Blacks ‘I’m really looking forward to joining Neath RFC next season and be able to work with a top class coach like Lyn Jones. It looks like Neath are building a really good team and it’s exciting to be part of it. Although lots of teams are going to be focused on surviving a four team relegation drop my goal is to definitely help Neath win the Premiership!’

‘Finally, I’d like to thank the Wales 7s set up for four really enjoyable years on the 7s circuit and also a big thank you to my mate Rhys Webb and Mike Cuddy for getting the deal done to join Neath.’

Neath RFC Head Coach, Lyn Jones, commented ‘Lloyd is an excellent fit for us as he’s pretty versatile in the back row, he’s a very well conditioned and skilful athlete and following his years on the international 7s circuit he knows how to perform in pressure games. He was a top end Premiership player at Bridgend and probably didn’t quite get the opportunity to break through at the Ospreys with their back row riches at the time. At 27 he’s going to be hitting his peak so it looks like Neath RFC may be getting the best years out of him which all bodes well for next season.’

Welcome on board Lloyd. We are really looking forward to seeing you run out at the Gnoll.