Tom Prydie’s ambition to wear the Scarlets No.15 shirt is about to get a whole lot tougher with the imminent arrival at the region of Leigh Halfpenny.
Former Wales wing Prydie moved to Parc Y Scarlets this summer, hoping to fill the void left by Liam Williams’ departure for Saracens.
But with Halfpenny now in talks to finalise a return to Wales from Toulon on a national dual contract, Prydie’s job in re-igniting a career that has not lived up to its super-charged early success now appears more complicated.
Even though Lions full-back Williams will be a hard act to follow, the region could now be able to shuffle their full-back and wing options between Halfpenny, Prydie and versatile New Zealander Johnny McNicholl, as well as last season’s Guinness Pro12 top try-scorer Steff Evans.
Prydie, who left the Dragons for his third Welsh region after starting with the Ospreys, said: “The way the Scarlets play is really attractive and that’s the way that I like to play rugby.
“If I can get a lot of game time then, hopefully, things will work out and the way that the Scarlets play will really suit me.
“It’s about trying to get a jersey for the start of the season then, and I’m not looking any further than that to be honest. I am really looking forward to the friendlies first of all, playing well there and showing the coaches what I can do.”
It is seven years since Prydie, now 25, won the first of his five Wales caps as a raw and lean 18-year-old.
The then Ospreys wing became the youngest player ever to play for Wales when he faced Italy in the Six Nations on 20 March, 2010 at the age of 18 years, 25 days.
It appeared he would be vying with George North in the race to become the youngster Welshman to reach 100 caps.
But while North had reached 69 caps by the time he turned 25 in April this year, Prydie is still locked on the five he picked up between 2010-13. His last outing for Wales was in Japan four years ago as injuries have frustrated his development.
Prydie spent five seasons at Rodney Parade, making 93 appearances and scoring 16 tries for the Dragons, but when he made his Wales debut current Scarlets backs coach Stephen Jones was at No 10.
“It’s a new season and I am in a really good place at the minute, the body is feeling good and I am at the champions of the league, so I couldn’t’ ask for any more.
“There are some really quality players in the backline with the likes of Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams and so many more.
“It’s not just that, the way the forwards play and interact with the backs is exciting. It has been enjoyable being in a different environment, learning new calls and working with new coaches.
“From day one everything we do has involved a rugby ball and has involved skills. Steve [Jones] is really big on that and, in between weights, we have a rugby ball in our hands, constantly working and looking for the ball.
“His attention to detail is really impressive – I had a kicking session with him the first day and he picked up two or three things that no one has really picked up before in the past. They are only little details but they can make a hell of a difference on the outcome of kicks.”
