**Cardiff Rugby Secure Wales U20 Talents on Loan from Bath**
Cardiff Rugby have reinforced their squad with the acquisition of two highly-rated young Welsh talents, Ioan Emanuel and Ieuan Davies, ahead of the forthcoming rugby season. The exciting duo, who have both represented Wales at Under-20 level, will join the Arms Park outfit from English Premiership title holders Bath Rugby on season-long loan deals.
Both Emanuel, a promising prop, and Davies, a dynamic scrum-half, are expected to feature for Cardiff throughout the 2025-26 campaign. The pair will link up with head coach Matt Sherratt’s side next month. This agreement further strengthens the collaborative ties between Cardiff and Bath, following a series of joint training sessions and previous player exchanges, such as Louis Hennessey’s spell in the Welsh capital.
In a statement, Sherratt welcomed Emanuel and Davies, expressing gratitude to Bath for their cooperation. “It’s great to bring in two talented, young Welsh players for the upcoming season, and we appreciate Bath facilitating this opportunity and prioritising their development,” he remarked. Sherratt also highlighted the productive relationship between the two clubs, noting frequent shared training experiences.
The arrival of Ioan Emanuel is particularly notable given his familial connection to Cardiff, as he is the brother of Steff Emanuel and a product of the club’s age-grade system. Sherratt praised Emanuel’s credentials, pointing to his set-piece reliability and relentless work-rate, qualities that have been on display during his campaign with the Wales U20s squad. “Anyone who’s followed Wales U20s recently will know about Ioan’s significant potential,” Sherratt said.
Meanwhile, Sherratt described Ieuan Davies as another rising Welsh star poised to make an impact. The young scrum-half stood out during his time with Wales U20s and has enjoyed positive reviews from Bath’s coaching team. “We look forward to seeing both Ioan and Ieuan compete for meaningful game time, not only with the first team but also with Cardiff RFC,” added Sherratt.
Currently, Ioan Emanuel is representing Wales Under-20s at the World Rugby U20 Championship, highlighting his front-row pedigree at international junior level. Davies, having played for the national U20s last season, already possesses valuable international experience in his position. These signings are viewed as a testament to the ongoing strength of Welsh rugby’s talent pathway.
Bath Rugby’s head of rugby, Johann van Graan, reaffirmed his club’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent through challenging playing environments. “Giving our young players chances to develop in different settings is fundamental to their progression, both as athletes and individuals,” van Graan said. He expressed confidence that Cardiff would provide Emanuel and Davies with the ideal platform to further their rugby education.
The strategic loan move serves the interests of all parties: Cardiff benefit from youthful energy and skill, Bath witness the continued progression of their prospects, and the players themselves gain valuable playing time in a competitive setting. Such exchanges are increasingly common as clubs seek to bridge the gap between academy and senior rugby, fostering chains of development that benefit the wider sport.
Cardiff supporters will undoubtedly be eager to see how Emanuel and Davies adapt to their new surroundings and contribute to the club’s ambitions in both domestic and European competitions. With the season’s kick-off drawing closer, the presence of fresh U20 international talent could inject further enthusiasm and depth into the squad.
This development is also a significant marker for Welsh rugby, emphasising the commitment of regional sides and partner clubs to providing a clear path from youth to senior ranks. As these young players prepare to wear Cardiff’s blue and black, their progress will be followed closely amid hopes for bright futures both in club and international colours.