A-Levels and assists for Scarlets' Leggatt-Jones

Carwyn Leggatt-Jones has five try assists in his first four starts for the Scarlets. He also has A-Levels to sit.

The 18-year-old fly-half remains a student at Llandovery College but is already directing a professional side in the United Rugby Championship - combining exam preparation with elite rugby commitments.

Scarlets have had to turn to Leggatt-Jones amid injuries and international call-ups, with regular fly-half Sam Costelow sidelined after suffering ankle damage on Wales duty against Scotland.

That has accelerated the teenager's exposure to senior rugby.

"It's been a tough period for him," said Scarlets director of rugby Nigel Davies.

"The opportunity to play at URC level has come probably a little bit earlier than he would have wanted, with his exams in particular.

"But nevertheless the opportunity's come. And I think he's been great."

Despite limited time training with the squad beforehand, Leggatt-Jones has shown composure and authority in the role.

"He plays older than he actually is," said Scarlets centre and Wales international Joe Roberts.

"He plays with a lot of confidence, which is key really for a 10.

"And to be fair, I've enjoyed playing outside of him. He is exciting, isn't he? And he can spark something up."

Managing that progress alongside his studies is now a key focus.

"We have to be mindful that he has to look after his education as well," added Davies.

"So trying to get that balance has been really difficult.

"But he's managed it particularly well himself."

Davies confirmed the region are working around his academic commitments, with exams approaching in the coming months.

"We'll see how his exams go this year. And if they work out great, that's fine. If they don't, then maybe we'll have to look at how we can support him in some resits," said Davies.

The situation reflects a broader trend, with younger players gaining earlier exposure as squads are stretched.

Former Wales fly-half James Hook, speaking on Scrum V, said Leggatt-Jones' emergence highlights both opportunity and challenge.

"Carwyn's had his chance, it's crazy he's still a school kid really," said Hook.

"For him to be getting that experience and exposure, why not try and blood as many players for next season?

"The youngsters coming through now aren't always arriving with the same level of experience, and that does make a difference."

Welsh rugby has seen players break through at a similar age before.

Dan Biggar made his Ospreys debut at 18 in 2008, in a squad that included established internationals such as Hook and Gavin Henson.

The current landscape is different, with reduced budgets and smaller squads placing greater responsibility on younger players earlier in their development.

The next few months will test how that balance is managed - both by the player and the region around him.