To United Rugby Championship (URC) and Ospreys fans, Dan Edwards is something of a household name despite only being 21. Ellis Mee, however, is someone Scarlets and Welsh rugby fans will call a revelation.
Dan Edwards
At just 21 years old, Edwards has been turning heads with his composed and mature performances for Ospreys. Known for his pinpoint accuracy off the tee and his ability to read the game beyond his years, Edwards is being tipped as a player who could thrive on the international stage.
Born in Port Talbot, Edwards has been a standout at every level of the game he has played so far. His journey through the Welsh rugby pathways has been one of consistent progression. A standout figure during his time with Wales U20s - featuring a total of 17 times between 2021-2024, scoring 103 points in the process – Edwards displayed a calm demeanour under pressure and a knack for orchestrating attacks with precision.
Edwards’ hard work was rewarded as he made his Ospreys debut in round six of the URC in 2023, in no less than the West Wales derby against Scarlets, scoring a wonder try in the process.
Edwards’ call-up reflects Gatland’s commitment to blooding youth, as Wales seek to revitalise their squad ahead of the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations, off the back of a difficult 2024 international rugby calendar. With talisman Dan Biggar retired from international rugby, Sam Costelow (injured) and Gareth Anscombe omitted from the squad, the door has opened for a new playmaker to step into the No.10 jersey.
As the Six Nations kicks off with a Friday night showdown between France and Wales in Paris at the end of this month, all eyes will be on Edwards to see if he can translate his domestic form to the cauldron of international rugby.
Ellis Mee
Mee’s name has been thrust into the spotlight following his selection for the Welsh squad.
The 21-year-old, who can play fullback or wing, has made a seamless transition from the English Championship to the URC. Standing at an imposing 6ft 4in and weighing 92kg, Mee offers Wales both physicality and flair in the backline - in both attack and defence.
Mee first caught the eye during a stellar 2023–24 season with Nottingham. He featured in 22 matches, scoring seven tries, and his performances earned him both the Fans’ and Players’ Player of the Season accolades. His ability to combine pace, power, and game awareness was further highlighted during the Premiership Rugby Cup, where he scored a memorable try against Saracens.
Since moving to Wales in May 2024, Mee has continued his upward trajectory. He made an instant impact with the Scarlets, debuting in the URC in September of last year and scoring crucial tries in Welsh derbies against the Ospreys and Dragons. These performances have underscored his knack for stepping up in big games, making him a valuable addition to the Wales squad as they prepare for a demanding Six Nations campaign.
Still combining his rugby career with studies at Nottingham Trent University, Mee’s inclusion in the Wales squad not only reflects his on-field achievements but also signals Wales’ commitment to nurturing young talent for this upcoming campaign and beyond. For Mee, this marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in an already impressive journey.
