Cardiff Rugby have continued building for the future with the signing of Cardiff Met front-row forward Joe Cowell.
The former Wales Under-20s prop has spent the past four years playing BUCS Super Rugby, while studying for a degree in Sport Conditioning, Rehabilitation and Massage and a masters in Youth Athletic Development.
He has made 51 appearances for Cardiff Met and has captained the Archers in recent seasons as he switched sides of the scrum.
Cowell was also famously called into action by Cardiff Rugby against Toulouse in 2021, when the first team squad were stuck in quarantine.
However, he has now been handed an opportunity to prove his potential with a senior academy deal at the Arms Park.
Cowell said: I’m really grateful to Cardiff Met for the past four years. Their rugby development programme and their professionalism has set me up for the next steps of my career.
“The opportunities and the belief that the coaches there have provided me is something I’ll never forget and will always be grateful for.
“Really happy to now sign for a club like Cardiff. After watching them over the past few years, the style of rugby and the direction that they’re going is really exciting and something I can’t wait to be apart of.
“After being involved with Cardiff Rugby against Toulouse a few years ago and playing in front of a packed Cardiff Arms Park, I had an insight on what it takes to be a Cardiff Rugby player. The fans that day were also amazing and I hope, with hard work, I can show the fans what I’m about and give 100 per cent to them and the badge.”
Cardiff Rugby academy manager, Gruff Rees said: “It is fantastic that Joe has committed to Cardiff Rugby after a tremendous few years developing his trade at Cardiff Met.
“We obviously got to know Joe really well during the covid period and the famous Toulouse match in particular where he really left a strong impression.
“We have a strong link with Cardiff Met and I would meet with Danny Milton on a monthly basis to discuss Welsh qualified players and the wider landscape of our pathway. Within this process, Joe’s progress would always be a hot topic and it was great to see him get leadership exposure as captain while his transition to tight-head has proved extremely successful.
“Ultimately, we are investing in another young Welsh-qualified player who has had great training history at the Met over the last few years, allied to a great attitude, who could flourish at Cardiff Rugby.”