Lloyd Phillips is still 16 years of age but such is the quality of the young flanker from Narberth that he is already a member of the Welsh Under 18 rugby squad after playing four times last season for his country at under 16 level.

Lloyd heard the good news of his inclusion whilst on a tour to Dubai with the Pembrokeshire Elite Squad, whilst attending an official dinner where Kim Norkett, the local District H Director of Rugby made the announcement of Lloyd's inclusion.

The Welsh Youth squad have nine test matches before next spring, including four against England - and Lloyd will be hoping that he can gain selection and carry on the good work of last campaign when he played against the 'old enemy' at Taffs Well and featured in a big win. He also played against Italy in Milan as Wales won 56-12.

Lloyd hails from a rugby-mad family. His mum Mary is a member of the management committee at Narberth and is renowned for her vocal support of the Otters, whilst his uncle, Will Beynon, is another great Otter supporter over many years.

Lloyd was only 16 in June but already stands at 6 feet 1 inch and weighs in at close to 14 stone, and as well as being a good tackler and ball winner he has also developed his distribution skills whilst playing for the regional Llanelli Scarlets at under 18 level, where Scarlets Academy Director Kevin George keeps a watchful eye.

He has already achieved success in the Preliminary Coaching Course and is currently studying for a National Diploma in Sport at Coleg Sir Gar, Llanelli.

Lloyd was previously at Whitland Grammar School and came under the rugby influence of Graham Evans.

But ask Lloyd for his major rugby ambition and it would be to play for Cardiff Blues and Wales at senior level: whisper it quietly at Stradey Park but he has been a Cardiff fan since he was given his first pair of rugby boots!