Leggatt-Jones to Start at Fly-Half for Scarlets Against Edinburgh
Carwyn Leggatt-Jones has started every Wales Under-20s 2026 Six Nations match since making his first Scarlets start against Benetton in January. The Scarlets will once again rely on the 18-year-old fly-half when they face Edinburgh in the United Rugby Championship (URC) on Friday, as injuries and international duties have limited their options at the number 10 position.
Regular fly-half Sam Costelow is sidelined after being forced off during Wales' recent match against Scotland, while Joe Hawkins, another fly-half option this season, remains with the national squad preparing for their upcoming game against Ireland. This situation has allowed the Carmarthen schoolboy to continue in the pivotal role.
Leggatt-Jones made his first regional start in last month’s 20-20 URC draw at Benetton, demonstrating a maturity beyond his years in directing the team on the field.
"I think you're seeing exactly where he is at the moment," said Director of Rugby Nigel Davies. "There are bits of great stuff, which is what you expect from a young player coming through the system, and we're delighted with his progress. His work now is about being consistently in the game mentally as much as physically."
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Balancing Rugby with Schoolwork
Leggatt-Jones has been managing full-time training alongside his studies at Llandovery College while also playing a key role for Wales Under-20s. He notably contributed to last week’s 31-21 victory over Scotland in Cardiff.
"He's dealing with a lot of older players, but he's able to have a voice in that group, which is what you want from your 10s. We're really excited about where he can go," added Davies. "Wales Under-20s has been really important for him, but ultimately the goal is to play regional rugby and push for the first team — and he's doing that now."
Davies expressed confidence in Leggatt-Jones’ long-term prospects.
"It's tough for him at the moment with his studies as well, so we've got to be mindful of that. But he wants to be a professional rugby player and I've no doubt that's what he'll become. We just need to make sure we support his education and help him along the way," Davies said.
Ioan Jones, the 21-year-old full-back who joined from Gloucester last summer but has been sidelined by injury since arriving, is named among the replacements and will provide fly-half cover. Billy McBryde, who was brought in as emergency cover for the Benetton trip, has since returned to RGC.
Macleod and Rogers Boost Scarlets
The Scarlets have also been strengthened by the return of Wales squad members Josh Macleod and Tom Rogers, both released from the national camp this week. They will be included in the starting line-up against Edinburgh.
Club captain Macleod started for Wales in their heavy Six Nations defeat by England, while Tom Rogers has not played since Scarlets beat Ulster in January and has been unused during the national side’s campaign.
South African prop Boan Venter will make his 100th appearance for Edinburgh, and Mosese Tuipulotu returns from injury at centre.
Match Line-Ups
Edinburgh: Paterson; Satala, Lang, Tuipulotu, Goosen; Thompson, Vellacott; Venter, Morris, Rae, Sykes, Young, Muncaster, Richardson, Bradbury.
Replacements: J Blyth-Lafferty, Whitcombe, O Blyth-Lafferty, Hunter-Hill, Boyle, Shiel, Scott, O'Conor.
Scarlets: J Davies; Rogers, Page, Roberts, Lewis; Leggatt-Jones, Hughes; Mathias, Van der Merwe, Henry Thomas, Ball, Lousi, Douglas, Macleod, Anderson.
Replacements: Harry Thomas, Hepburn, O'Connor, J Price, Taylor, Blacker, I Jones, McDonald.
Assistant referees: Hollie Davidson (SRU), Rob McDowell (SRU)
