A handful of Welsh-qualified players have left English clubs in recent days
Math Jones of Wales U18s attacks the line(Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)
A handful of Welsh-qualified players have left the Gallagher Prem as English clubs announced their leavers’ lists at the end of the season.
Exeter, Harlequins and Gloucester were among the clubs to announce their departures ahead of the end of the campaign, as players look elsewhere. Of the handful of players released over the border, it would appear that some already have moves lined up.
Jarrod Evans was the high-profile Welsh departure from Harlequins when the London club revealed their departure list on Wednesday.
However, the Wales fly-half is understood to be heading back to Cardiff after three years in the English capital.
There is another Welsh outside-half who doesn’t appear to have a destination lined up.
Math Jones has played for Wales U18s and U19s, having previously had a swathe of offers from schools – with Llandovery, Clifton and Hartpury having been interested.
In the end, Jones opted for Gordon’s school in Surrey, taking up a place in Harlequins’ academy.
One of the Welsh clubs could certainly do worse than look at bringing him back home.
Prior to leaving, he had a five-year deal on the table from the Scarlets.
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Speaking to WalesOnline last year, he outlined his Welsh ambitions.
“As a proud Welshman it is a big target of mine to play for Wales,” he said. “A lot of boys who go over the bridge still want to play for Wales but the main aim is to try to get a contract after the academy league and see where it goes.”
Harlequins’ other Welsh departure is tighthead Joe Jones, who is moving to Championship winners Worcester.
The former Scarlets prop joined Quins earlier this year from Doncaster Knights, playing a handful of games in the Prem.
Over at Exeter, a couple of Welsh departures already have new clubs lined up.
Former Wales U20s fly-half Iwan Jenkins is heading to Plymouth Albion after a long spell there this year.
Previously, the Cardiff-born playmaker has gained experience in the Premiership Rugby Cup with Exeter, alongside loan spells with Taunton and Cornish Pirates.
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Elsewhere, back-three Dan John leaves despite enjoying more game-time this season.
The former Wales U20s international had made just 11 appearances in the Prem across five campaigns, but this year saw him feature in six Prem matchday squads as well as three Challenge Cup matches.
The 24-year-old does have a club lined up, although no announcement has been made on where that is yet.
The final Welsh departure from Devon is scrum-half Orson James.
Having spent time on loan at Cornish Pirates, a move back there could make sense – although nothing has been anounced.
A couple of weeks ago, Sale confirmed the departures of Wales prop WillGriff John and back-row Huw Davies.
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