Saracens are to sign another of Wales’ most highly-rated young props following on from the capture of Rhys Carre.
The newly crowned European champions are to announce the recruitment of Wales U20s international Sam Wainwright from RGC.
He had been linked with London Irish, who have been on a major spending spree since securing promotion back to the Gallagher Premiership, while Harlequins are also understood to have been watching him.
But he has opted for Sarries, which will see him training alongside star names like Maro Itoje, Owen Farrell and Mako and Billy Vunipola.
Still only 21, tight-head Wainwright is already a giant of a man and renowned for his power in the scrum and the loose, as well as his work ethic.
After starting out at Rhyl RFC, he has become a regular for RGC in the Principality Premiership.
He was called up by Wales U20s last year, making his debut against Scotland in front of his home crowd at Colwyn Bay.
Speaking at the time, he paid tribute to the part long-serving former Scarlets prop Phil John has played in his development.
“I have had a huge amount of support within RGC, from Phil John, Mark Jones, Josh Leach and Gaz Whittaker, both on and off the field,” said the sports coaching student.
“Phil has been a huge help to me, especially with his scrummaging knowledge, and that has made a difference over the past year.
“I have to thank my parents as well, as they have supported me with my rugby.”
Losing Wainwright to Saracens comes as a further blow to Welsh rugby in the wake of Rhys Carre signing for the English top dogs .
Cardiff Blues made loosehead Why Rhys Carre can be picked in Wales' Rugby World Cup squad despite leaving for England a sizeable offer in a bid to keep him at the Arms Park, but by then he had already agreed to join Sarries.
The protracted negotiations over Project Reset had meant a delay in the Blues being able to make the 21-year-old Cowbridge product a firm offer.
By the time they did, it was too late, even though they offered him significantly more than Saracens.
Why Rhys Carre can be picked in Wales' Rugby World Cup squad despite leaving for England
Shortly after his move was announced, Carre was named in Wales’ World Cup training squad as one of two uncapped players, along with Blues team-mate Owen Lane.
He remains eligible despite his switch to England, as the WRU 60-cap selection policy doesn’t apply to uncapped players who haven’t previously featured in a senior national squad.
The same will apply to Wainwright should Wales want to pick him during the term of his Saracens contract.
His switch to England follows the news that Mark Jones is stepping down as RGC head coach after three years in the role.
