Bristol Bears utility back Ioan Lloyd is a summer target for Scarlets, according to reports, with the 21-year-old a free agent this summer and his future at Ashton Gate uncertain.
Lloyd has emerged through the Bears academy to become a consistent member of Pat Lam’s first-team squad since signing in 2018 after studying at Clifton College, although he’s yet to fully stamp his place on the first XV. The Cardiff-born starlet has played multiple positions across the backline for the Bears, his versatility sometimes to his detriment.
His breakthrough at Premiership level has also earned him Wales international honours but his two caps were won almost three years ago and although the Wales Rugby Union has dropped its threshold for a call-up to 25, if playing outside the country, Lloyd falls well below that.
WalesOnline report that Scarlets, who would have been Bears’ Challenge Cup quarter-final opponents this Friday had they beaten Clermont in the last 16, are front-runners for his signature amid significant interest in England and Wales.
On the eve of their clash with Clermont, in which Lloyd played the second half after replacing the injured Semi Radradra at half-time, the Bears announced nine contract renewals for next season, and the 21-year-old was not included furthering the uncertainty over his future at Ashton Gate.
Lam has previously stated that Lloyd possesses “world class” talent and in May last year detailed how he would be concentrating on inside centre with the ability to play as an outside half. In the Premiership this season, he’s made just four starts in the position: twice in the Challenge Cup against Zebre, once in the Premiership at London Irish and then a Premiership Cup encounter against Bath in October.
Radradra’s return to France at the end of the season will lead to a natural change in that area of the field, albeit with the Fijian operating as outside centre throughout his time in the West Country, with Lam having preferred Sam Bedlow and then James Williams at 12.
On Friday night, with Radradra leaving the field due to a hamstring injury, Lam elected to place Lloyd on the wing with Gabriel Ibitoye switching to outside centre for the whole of the second half.
