Now the Cardiff Metropolitan University student is training hell for leather in a garage in Solihull in a bid to ensure he is fighting fit for rugby’s return.
Bevan is a product of the Welsh Exiles system and was a regular for Gareth Williams’ Under-20 side this season.
Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic robbed him of a chance of figuring at the World Rugby Under 20 Championship in Italy this summer.
“I went to a school called Bryanston in Dorset from year nine up until year 13. From there I went to Cardiff Met. I played first XV rugby and was captain at Bryanston,” Bevan said.
“I was born and grew up in Solihull. As most boys do when they’re growing up I played a lot of different sports. Football and rugby were my main ones, but just before I went to senior school I put everything into rugby.
“When I was at Bryanston I was affiliated with Bath and was there for about four years from Under-14’s to Under-18’s and then I got released.
“Six weeks later I was with the Welsh Exiles system at the Super Six tournament in Wales. That’s what kick-started the Welsh pathway for me.
“Gareth Davies heads up the Welsh Exiles programme. I was in communication with him and he put me down for a few training camps. I played a few matches over the course of a year before the Super Six. As a team the Exiles did quite well in that tournament and a few of us got into the wider squad for Wales Under-18.
“I was fortunate to get through the various rounds, eventually get capped, and then play for Wales Under-19 and Under-20.”
Ellis Bevan scores a try for Wales Under-20 against France
Bevan continued: “I’m not in university at the moment for obvious reasons, but I’ve just finished my second year at Cardiff Met. I’m studying business management with a law pathway. I’ve got one more year to go.
“They’ve given us some strength and conditioning equipment which I’m using back at home in Solihull. I’m training in my garage. It’s been very helpful for them to provide that equipment so it’s about being in the best possible shape for when rugby returns as and when it does.”
As most boys do when they’re growing up I played a lot of different sports. Football and rugby were my main ones, but just before I went to senior school I put everything into rugby
Bevan’s father Paul hails from Swansea which makes him eligible for Wales. He is not signed to a professional team but is attracting interest from Welsh regions and clubs in England.
“When Covid began it was quite challenging as I was trying to finish my second year exams and also train as hard as I could,” Bevan said. “It was tough as I’d missed all my lectures and seminars due to the Six Nations.
“I wasn’t really around for most of my studies, but I did have great support from my university who gave me extra time and extended deadlines. I got decent results in the end.
“It was unfortunate for me to miss out on the World Rugby Under 20 Championship in Italy, but there are people a lot worse off than me in these circumstances. I can’t really complain, but it would have been amazing to go to Italy.
“My biggest aim and objective is to earn a professional contract coming out of university with a degree under my belt. If an opportunity does come up, I need to be ready for it.”
Ellis Bevan on the charge
Bevan was one of two scrum-halves in the Wales squad for the Under-20 Six Nations alongside Dafydd Buckland but impressed head coach Williams.
He stood out with a try-scoring display in the win over France.
“From a personal perspective I was pleased with the Six Nations. I was gutted not to get capped at Under-20 level last year. I was a part of the wider squad, but didn’t get selected,” Bevan said.
“This year it was a big aim of mine to put a marker down and if I got an opportunity, I wanted to take it. I was pleased with how it went. If I’m honest I went into the campaign as second choice nine.
“There were only two scrum-halves in the squad and Dafydd was in the squad last year and is a good player. I tried to take in everything I could and exhaust the coaches with questions.
From a personal perspective I was pleased with the Six Nations. I was gutted not to get capped at Under-20 level last year
“When my opportunity came I wanted to take it in my stride and to play in the five games was really pleasing for me.
“I thought I had a half decent campaign and it was just a shame I couldn’t follow on from that in Italy.”
Bevan has played age grade rugby for Wales as well as BUCS and WRU National Championship rugby with Cardiff Metropolitan.
He concluded: “Danny Milton has been great for me not only as a coach but also as a mentor. At Cardiff Met we play in the BUCS Super Rugby but also in the Welsh Championship.
“The guys you play against at Championship level definitely don’t take any mercy, but that’s good for us as a team and from a personal point of view. It gives you the experience of playing against tough teams.
“It’s a good experience and we try to use the ball as quickly as possible to tire teams out.”
