Wales U18s star Ioan Lloyd has been backed to make a big impact at Bristol Bears after signing a new four-year deal at the club.

The fly-half – one of the stars of the age-group side that beat England last summer – has already become the second youngest player to make a competitive appearance for Bristol when he came on as a second-half replacement during the club’s Premiership Cup clash with Northampton Saints back in the autumn.

Now, 17-year-old Lloyd has been tipped to make further breakthroughs after being given the confidence-boost of a new four-year contract.

The Cardiff born youngster is still a sixth-form student at Clifton College but Bears academy manager Mike Hall said: “Ioan is an exciting talent who perfectly fits the club’s long-term plan and vision for home-grown players.

“He has already had a taste of the senior set-up, both in training and on match days, and we are delighted to have signed him on a four-year contract.”

Lloyd was part of the team that beat England 26-20 in South Africa last summer, when he played at full-back.