Bees Buzz
PERTEMPS BEES SIGN LARSEN (February 4
2007)
PERTEMPS
BEES SIGN LARSEN (February 4 2007)
Pertemps Bees have signed rising Welsh back-row star Matt Larsen.
The 20-year-old from Cardiff was in the Wales Under-20 squad against Ireland in
Swansea on Friday even though he has played little club rugby this season.
Larsen is a student at Leicester University and his studies have prevented him
from travelling back to Cardiff to play for the Blues where he was on a development
contract.
Larsen had been offered academy contracts with both Northampton and Leicester
to cut down on his travel commitments but he has opted to play senior rugby in
National One with Pertemps Bees instead.
Larsen is expected to begin training with Pertemps Bees this week although his
international commitments are likely to restrict his availability in the next
month.
"Matt's university course is very specialised which meant that he had to
go to Leicester to do it," said Steve Williams, the Pertemps Bees' head coach
and a former Cardiff player.
"It means that his rugby has suffered and he has struggled to get a game
this season. But he still made the Wales Under-20s squad even though he has hardly
played this season wich gives you an idea of how talented he is.
"Northampton and Leicester have both offered him Academy places but Matt's
university commitments mean that he can't train during the day. He has been looking
to join a senior club with training in the evenings.
"We are close enough for him to get to and I had him recommended by a contact
at Cardiff.
"He comes to us very highly rated. People have a lot of time for him back
in Wales and we will have him until the end of next season which will give him
the chance to develop his skills in National One."
Larsen was previously capped by Wales at Under-16 and Under-18 levels.