By David Williams
Dwayne Peel has refused to confirm the departure from the Scarlets of Wales fly-half Ioan Lloyd, who is poised to join Cardiff for the 2025-26 season.
Lloyd, who has slipped down the national team reckoning for the No.10 shirt, will leave the Scarlets after two seasons in Llanelli.
The 23-year-old’s switch comes as he seeks a new opportunity for more regular rugby at outside-half, the position he has found it difficult to dislodge Sam Costelow from at his current region.
EXC: Ioan Lloyd looks set for a shock move to Cardiff next season. Understand Sam Costelow will remain at the Scarlets despite interest from Leicester. https://t.co/ex1rm2ND8J
— Steffan Thomas (@Steffan_Thomas1) January 8, 2025
Head coach Peel has insisted no decision has yet been made although it appears the deal is done with Costelow having committed his future to the Scarlets.
“There’s no news and at this time of year, but there will be that speculation around players,” said Peel.
“When we get into the grips of announcements, I’m sure we’ll make some announcements in due course.”
Lloyd joined the Scarlets in 2023 after a successful stint with the Bristol Bears, where he became the youngest player in Gallagher Premiership history to debut at 18, scoring a try against Bath.
Returning to Wales was intended to propel Lloyd into a starting fly-half role, but competition with Costelow saw him frequently relegated to the bench.
@scarlets_rugby are back in front thanks to some electric play from their half backs!
Brilliant from Ioan Lloyd to create for Gareth Davies pic.twitter.com/7YHV8Jzv9A
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) October 12, 2024
Lloyd’s versatility as a full-back has been both an asset and a hindrance, as he has struggled to establish himself as a consistent No. 10.
His international career has faced similar challenges, with limited starts for Wales.
Despite making five appearances in the 2024 Six Nations, only one was as a starter, stepping in for the injured Costelow in a loss to England at Twickenham.
He was then left out of the touring squad to visit Australia last summer, with head coach Warren Gatland claiming Lloyd lacked size and physicality – although those reservations did not seem to bother the New Zealander when he picked Lloyd three months earlier.
Cardiff could offer Lloyd a fresh start to reignite his career, much like his Bristol days where he played second fiddle to Callum Sheedy.
Intriguingly, Sheedy himself joined Cardiff from the Bears last summer, potentially setting up a familiar dynamic.
Costelow is expected to remain with the Scarlets, despite rumors linking him to Leicester Tigers.
