Cardiff Rugby have added further firepower to the back-three with the signing of Iwan Stephens from Newcastle Falcons.
The wing links up with the Blue and Blacks after three years in the North East, where he has made 25 appearances and scored 11 tries.
Stephens, the son of former Llanelli and Wales fly-half Colin, came through the system at Leeds Rhinos but switched codes to join Newcastle in 2022.
He said: “I’m really excited to join Cardiff. I love the style of play and feel it suits my attributes and abilities.
“It will be a new city for me, a new environment and new league so I am really looking forward to that challenge and the opportunity to play with and against some of the best players in the world.
“I just want to play as much rugby as I possibly can, do my all for the team and show the coaches and everyone at the club what I can do.”
He represented England Under-20s through the Six Nations and Summer Series in 2021, scoring two tries in five appearances, while coming through the Falcons academy.
The electric attacker then burst onto the Premiership scene with a try on his debut against Harlequins in September 2021, going on to score in his next game versus Bath.
Matt Sherratt believes Stephens is well suited to the Cardiff identity and style of play and believes he can take his game to the next level at the Arms Park.
Sherratt said: “I’m pleased to bring Iwan to the Arms Park next season and excited to see what kind of impact he can have at the club.
“He is a ‘Cardiff’ type of player, who suits our style of play and has a bit of x-factor to create something out of nothing. He is a player who will excite our supporters and enjoy the fast pitch at Cardiff Arms Park.
“He gives us a bit more depth and versatility, and will compete with the likes of Josh Adams, Theo Cabango, Harri Millard and Gabriel Hamer-Webb for a spot on the wing.
“He is also Welsh-qualified, as the son of Colin Stephens, and will arrive at the club highly-motivated to prove himself in a new environment.”
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