GLOUCESTER are reaping the rewards of Max Llewellyn’s weight-gain mission during the Six Nations, with the 109kg hulking centre now tipped as a successor to George North in Wales’ midfield.
Llewellyn used the seven-week shutdown period in the Premiership to put on 7kgs under a carefully managed programme and his physicality has got Gloucester boss George Skivington very excited about what the future holds for the Welshman, for club and country.
The 25-year-old narrowly missed out on a place in Wales’ World Cup squad but with centurion North now retired, Warren Gatland will be eager to see for himself if Llewellyn has it in him to be a ready-made replacement.
“Max is really starting to thrive in the environment and he is a big man now,” said Skivington.
“I spoke to Warren about him, he was close to the World Cup, and it was very tight. They will be touching base with him and with Max having some good games at 13 would promote him with George North moving on. There is a window of opportunity. We are excited because he is a young player with a lot of talent.”
Llewellyn, the son of former Wales lock Gareth Llewellyn, joined Gloucester from Cardiff RFC in the summer and has shown his versatility in being able to play 12 or 13.
“Fair play to Max, he ripped into it and is 7kgs heavier and the good thing is that we have only just started and he has found his place in the squad and we have good competition in the centres. There are small margin call
