#5. Tom Bowen
The Wales Under-18s star left Cardiff’s pathway system at the end of last season to take up a scholarship with Clifton College and link up with Bristol Bears.
But in another boost for the club, Bowen will return to the Arms Park to continue his progression in Blue and Black, highlighting the club’s track record of producing and developing talent.
Gruff Rees said: “Tom Bowen coming back to Cardiff Rugby is another major statement that we want the best young Welsh talent, notably those who are local and have represented schools, clubs and RAG sides through the pathway, achieving their professional goals at the Arms Park.
“We are proud of the wider pathway but this also highlights how we will always engage and maintain close relations with those who have taken opportunities such as Tom did with Clifton and representing the Bears.
“Aled James our Talent and Pathway Manager, has been instrumental in this process working diligently in the background and supporting our succession planning at academy level through to the seniors as well as our close relations with Matt Sherratt and the coaches.
“Tom is another fine character and as diligent a young professional as I have seen, I have no doubt he will flourish around our environment.
#6. Charlie Powell
Bears have confirmed the immediate release of 24-year-old winger Charlie Powell who came through the club’s academy system but has failed to break his way into the club’s first team on a regular basis.
The former Bristol Grammar School and Thornbury Castle School pupil got tipped as one to watch as a teenager after he became the youngest player to represent Bristol in European competition, at the time, when he came off the bench against Zebre aged just 18 years and 356 days, back in 2018.
Powell has since lost that record to Welsh international Ioan Lloyd who made his European bow aged 18 years and 228 days, but the achievement will never be taken away from him.