Thomas Young joined Wasps of Gloucester in May 2014
Cardiff will welcome Flanker Thomas Young, a Wasps native, to join his father Dai in Cardiff's next season. He is also available immediately for Wales selection.
Young, despite being outside of Wales for the remainder of the regular season, will be named in Wayne Pivac’s autumn international squad at lunchtime.
The Welsh Rugby Union's (WRU), 60-cap rule will be extended to the 29-year old.
This summer, Wales will play South Africa, Fiji, and New Zealand.
In 2017, the WRU implemented a policy called the Senior Player Selection Policy. This stated that players who have played for clubs outside of Wales with fewer than 60 international caps were not eligible for the national team.
This has led to players returning to or joining one of the four regions. However, it has also limited the international ambitions and options of Young and Pivac.
One exception has been made for the player who indicated that he would be returning to Wales in the next season.
Rhys Webb, Scrum-half, was allowed back into international play for the 2020 Six Nations after he announced that he would be returning to Ospreys in Toulon for 2020-21.
After it was announced that Rhys Priestland was going to link up with Cardiff from Bath to allow Rhys Priestland the opportunity to play for Wales, a similar move was rejected.
The Professional Rugby Board (PRB) decides the dispensations. It is the body that runs the professional game in Wales. It includes representatives from the WRU and regions.
Young was awarded his first cap against Tonga in June 2017. His third and final cap came against Italy during the Six Nations win in Rome in 2019. Young was part of the Grand Slam squad in 2017 but has not played for Wales since.
Young moved to Gloucester to join his father's Wasps team. When it was revealed that Young had made a commitment to stay with Wasps in 2020, his father left, the backrower declared himself unfit to play for Wales.
This has all changed with the confirmation that he will be returning to Cardiff in 2022-23, where he will link up with his father Dai. He has also returned for a second stint at Arms Park.
Thomas Young stated, "I'm excited about this opportunity at Cardiff. I look forward to returning home in Wales."
"It was difficult to make this decision because I had a great time at Wasps, and I have learned so much. For that I am grateful.
"I am also proud Welshman, and the chance to claim further international honors was too good to pass up.
"Once that decision was made, Cardiff was always my preference. This is my home club. I was a part of all the age-grade rugby in the region, and I have many friends from that time.
"I look forward to collaborating with the boys next season, but I remain committed to Wasps.
Wales has back-row injuries problems this autumn, with Dan Lydiate, James Botham, and Justin Tipuric all ruled out for the international series. Josh Navidi is also a major doubt after sustaining a shoulder injury against Bulls.
The opening match against New Zealand will be played on 30 October. Bath number eight Taulupe Fletau will not be available because it falls outside World Rugby’s international window. English clubs won't release Welsh players for these matches.
Young will not be able to attend the New Zealand match due to this, but Young is eligible for Australia, Fiji, South Africa and Fiji, the defence of the Six Nations title next year, and the 2023 World Cup.
Dai Young added, "When Thomas decided to return to Wales we were keen to take him home to Cardiff – that goes for me, the coaches, and board."
"It is my responsibility to improve and develop the squad. I have no doubt Thomas can significantly increase our strength and depth at the back-row, and drive standards in our surrounding environment.
"He fits the style that we want to play, and I know he'll do his talking on pitch and show everyone in Wales how great he is."
