Ioan Lloyd Poised For Cardiff Switch Amid Scarlets Struggles
Ioan Lloyd Poised For Cardiff Switch Amid Scarlets Struggles
Ioan Lloyd is set to join Cardiff from Scarlets, seeking a fresh start after struggling at fly-half. Can the move revive his Wales career? Read more.
Scarlets fly-half Ioan Lloyd is set to join Welsh rivals Cardiff, according to a report by WalesOnline.
The 23-year-old, currently in his second season at Parc y Scarlets after joining from the Bristol Bears in 2023, has struggled to secure a starting role in Llanelli.
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Lloyd’s return to Wales was intended to establish him as a leading fly-half, a position he had rarely played while primarily deployed as a fullback in the Gallagher Premiership. However, with Scarlets preferring Sam Costelow at No. 10, Lloyd has often found himself on the bench.
This trend continued on the international stage, as Lloyd made five appearances for Wales in the 2024 Guinness Six Nations, four of which came as a replacement. His only start, against England, came in place of the injured Costelow and drew sharp criticism.
Former Ireland international Hannah Tyrell questioned Lloyd’s abilities, saying, “Unfortunately for Lloyd at 10, he just doesn’t seem to be up to it... those cross-field kicks weren’t working out for him.”
Tyrell’s critique underscored the fly-half conundrum facing Wales, adding, “For Wales to do well, they need someone else to step in there at 10, but I don’t really know who, to be honest, because Costelow’s not up to it either.”
Lloyd’s potential move to Cardiff mirrors his earlier experience at Bristol, where he played second fiddle to Callum Sheedy.
Interestingly, Sheedy himself joined Cardiff from the Bears last summer.
A fresh start in the Welsh capital could rejuvenate Lloyd’s stalled international career, especially after being omitted from Warren Gatland’s squads for both the July tour of Australia and the Autumn Nations Series.
Meanwhile, WalesOnline also reported that Costelow, despite speculation linking him to a move to Leicester Tigers, is expected to remain with the Scarlets.
With Lloyd eyeing Cardiff and Costelow staying put, the upcoming season could bring significant shifts in the Welsh rugby landscape heading into the Six Nations.
Whether Lloyd’s switch will reignite his career remains to be seen, but the 23-year-old will be eager to prove his critics wrong.
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