Cardiff Blues are pleased to announce Wales Under-18 international Owen Lane has signed an Academy contract to continue his impressive development at the region.
Lane – who has come through the player pathway system at Cardiff Blues – has put pen to paper on a deal to join the Academy at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on a full-time basis from 2016.
The 17-year-old sprung to prominence during pre-season when he made his senior debut as a first half replacement in the friendly fixture with Bristol Rugby at Ashton Gate.
The powerful young back also impressed in the Singha Premiership 7s Series played at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.
Lane, currently studying at Cowbridge Comprehensive Rugby Academy and a former Whitchurch High School pupil, has been in the system Cardiff Blues for a number of years and represented the Under-16 South and Under-18s in recent seasons.
The Cardiff-born centre has also impressed for Wales at age grade level and was part of the Wales Under-18 FIRA-AER squad that played in France last summer.
Lane becomes the latest young talent to sign an Academy contract at Cardiff Blues with Wales Under-18 international full back Rhun Williams having also agreed terms earlier this year.
Richard Hodges, Elite Performance Pathway Manager at Cardiff Blues, said: “We’re very happy that Owen has signed for us and see him as a very excited young prospect.
“Owen really impressed the coaching staff in pre-season and took his chance in the Singha 7s when we had injuries on the day. His tackling, decision making and powerful running ensured he never looked out of place.
“We then saw Owen involved in the friendly with Bristol Rugby and, after coming on as an early first half replacement, he again took the opportunity really well.
“Owen will feature for Cardiff RFC this season and is also part of the Wales Under-20 training group as he continues his development. We will also aim to get him involved in the British & Irish Cup campaign for Cardiff Blues Premiership Select.
“Owen is a bright young man and, as a region, we’re determined to now support him as he continues his studies,” he added.
“It is vital that he maintains a work/life balance at a young age and so we will support him with his education before he goes full-time with us next year.”
Billy Millard, General Manager, said: “We’re pleased that Owen Lane has committed his future to us and wants to continue his development at Cardiff Blues. It is another endorsement of the environment we are building here.
“In recent months we’ve re-signed established first team players such as Josh Navidi and Josh Turnbull and exciting young talent in Aled Summerhill.
“It is vital we also bring the next generation of players through our system and Owen is a perfect example of that. We look forward to watching his career progress in the years to come and wish him every success.”