The Wales Under 18 international started all four of Llanelli’s September games and scored four tries in the month, helping the Principality Premiership finalists to their current third place in the league table.
The explosive back, who started playing rugby with local side Felinfoel before moving to Kidwelly where he played for the youth side and had one season of senior rugby, has turned heads across the Premiership already, with coaches, journalists and WRU academy professionals voting on the award.
Evans said: “I’m thoroughly enjoying playing in the Principality Premiership, it’s quicker and more structured than the Division One rugby I played last season and the work I did on speed techniques over the summer within the academy certainly seems to have helped.”
Evans, along with then Wales Under 18 captain Dafydd Howells, scored two tries in a win over France Under 18 at St Helens in February, and went on to represent Allan Lewis’ side at the FIRA-AER tournament in France at Easter. Evans was also one of Wales’ key players in the South African based Under 18 tournament in August which included another win over France.
“Playing international rugby for Wales Under 18 certainly helped me, especially coming up against more physical sides like South Africa,” Evans added.
“Kevin George, the Llanelli head coach, is also in charge of my academy programme so that is a big help as he can see what I need to work on.
“My aims for the season are to help Llanelli do as well as possible in the British & Irish Cup, starting this weekend, and hopefully reach the Principality Premiership play-offs. I’d love to be capped by Wales Under 20 this season too if I keep working hard.”
Llanelli head coach George added: “Steff has brought the energy of youth to our side. He featured strongly for Wales Under 18 last season and Scarlets Regional Age Grade sides before that. He did very well at the FIRA tournament and in South Africa and has settled into Premiership rugby with aplomb.
“He’s come on a lot in a short space of time and really bought into what we’re trying to do. He is very quick, elusive and clearly has an eye for the try line.”
Jeremy Evans, Principality Building Society’s Llanelli branch manager, said: “Steffan has had a fantastic start to the new season. Four tries in four matches in your first season of first class rugby is hard to beat and it has helped Llanelli to hold their own in the top half of the table.
“I am sure Steffan will go from strength to strength and we wish him and the club the best of luck for the rest of the season.”
Steffan Evans Factfile:
DoB: 1.9.94, Carmarthen
Position: Full back
Nickname: Evsy
Most admired rugby player: Jamie Roberts for his rugby and academic achievements
Biggest influence on rugby career: My dad Martin
Occupation: Studying for Degree in Education, Sport and Physical Activity, Cardiff Met University
