Ioan Lloyd, Scarlets’ prominent fly-half, has been a consistent presence in 10 out of their 11 games this season.
Despite being a national team player, Lloyd reflects on his initial experience with Wales Rugby as somewhat unfulfilling.
Back in 2020, amidst the Covid pandemic, a 19-year-old Lloyd was selected to play against Georgia. The debut, however, lacked the expected grandeur, taking place in a deserted Parc y Scarlets.
Now, three years later, Lloyd is back in Llanelli, determined to earn a more memorable stint in international rugby.
His first game, a 18-0 victory against Georgia, marked the realization of his lifelong dream to play for Wales. Yet, the absence of a cheering crowd, anthem-filled air, and an electrifying environment left something to be desired.
The game was played to the sound of teammates’ voices echoing in an empty stadium, with Lloyd’s family unable to attend, his parents resorting to watching the game on a mobile phone.
Lloyd shared on the Scrum V podcast, “My first cap didn’t quite match my expectations. With no audience, not even my parents, it felt different. My mother had to watch from a layby, and my brother was in the hospital.”
The 70-year mark of Wales’ rugby rivalry with New Zealand was another notable event, along with a significant loss to the Black Lions.
Recalling the post-game scenario, Lloyd said, “Returning home with my Wales cap was thrilling, but no one was there to share the moment.”
Despite the circumstances, he cherishes his cap, using it as motivation for better experiences with the national team.
In November 2020, Wales secured an 18-0 victory against Georgia in a spectator-less Parc Y Scarlets. That day, Lloyd, Johnny Williams, and Kieran Hardy debuted for Wales under coach Wayne Pivac, with Lloyd replacing Callum Sheedy.
Now, with Warren Gatland eyeing a new fly-half for the Six Nations, Lloyd, alongside his Scarlets teammates Williams and Hardy, is vying for the coveted number 10 jersey.
“My goal has always been to play for Wales,” Lloyd stated, “Although I’m not specifically targeting the Six Nations, I’m eager to be involved as soon as I can. However, my immediate focus is on performing well for Scarlets.”
A Cardiff native, Lloyd was Bristol’s youngest Premiership player at 18. He later returned to Wales to further his international career.
Dwayne Peel, Scarlets’ head coach, recognizes Lloyd’s extraordinary talent. Peel, a former Wales scrum-half, encourages Lloyd to play instinctively, acknowledging his unpredictability but also his exceptional skill.
Lloyd, now 22, drew inspiration from James Hook and rugby league star Shaun Johnson. “I was fascinated by Johnson’s playstyle,” Lloyd remarked, “His ability to create opportunities was unparalleled.”
With ambitions for Wales, Lloyd is aware of the potential mismatch between his dynamic style and Gatland’s strategic approach. Nonetheless, he maintains his Christmas tradition of practicing kicks, a habit rooted in his childhood.
Discussing the upcoming Boxing Day match against Ospreys, Lloyd said, “I understand the significance of this derby. It’s crucial for both the team and our community. After our previous loss to Ospreys, we’re using that as motivation for a comeback.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ioan Lloyd Rugby
What was unique about Ioan Lloyd’s debut for Wales?
Ioan Lloyd’s debut for the Wales rugby team was marked by the lack of spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a subdued experience as he played in an empty Parc y Scarlets.
How has Ioan Lloyd’s career progressed since his debut?
Since his debut, Ioan Lloyd has been a consistent player for the Scarlets, appearing in 10 of their 11 games this season. He’s focused on securing a more significant role in the Wales national team and is eyeing a position in the upcoming Six Nations tournament.
What are Ioan Lloyd’s feelings about his first cap for Wales?
Ioan Lloyd cherishes his first cap for Wales as the fulfillment of a childhood dream. However, the lack of a live audience and his family during the game made the experience different from what he had imagined.
Who were Ioan Lloyd’s teammates that debuted with him for Wales?
Alongside Ioan Lloyd, Johnny Williams and Kieran Hardy also made their debuts for Wales in the same game against Georgia.
What does Ioan Lloyd’s training routine include?
Ioan Lloyd maintains a dedicated training routine, including practicing kicks on Christmas morning, a tradition he has kept since childhood to continually enhance his rugby skills.
More about Ioan Lloyd Rugby
- Ioan Lloyd’s Career Statistics
- Wales Rugby Team News
- Scarlets Rugby Team Updates
- Six Nations Tournament Info
- Parc y Scarlets Stadium
- COVID-19 Impact on Sports
- Rugby Union Rules and Regulations
- Player Profiles: Johnny Williams and Kieran Hardy
- Training and Fitness in Rugby Union
- History of Rugby in Wales
5 comments
Still trying to wrap my head around rugby rules, but stories like Lloyd’s make it more interesting, shows there’s more to the game than just the plays.
lol, Lloyd’s story’s kinda sad but inspiring at the same time, playing for Wales with no one cheering in the stands? tough break…
Isn’t it crazy how Covid changed sports? Empty stadiums, athletes playing in such weird conditions. Lloyd’s experience is just one example.
Lloyd’s a local hero here in Cardiff, Remember watching him as a kid, he’s got some serious skills on the field.
ian Lloyd’s determination is top-notch, rooting for him in the Six Nations. Go Wales!