Pugh moved to Llanelli three years ago from his native North Wales to join the WRU Scarlets Academy system and study at nearby Coleg Sir Gar.

Darryl Hill, WRU High Performance Manager for the Scarlets region and last season's Wales U19 Team Manager said, "Haydn has developed significantly since we brought him into the pre-academy at U16 level – so much so that he has gained Wales U18 and U19 honours.

"He was one of our unsung heroes at the IRB U19 World Championships last April and with his performances so far in this season's Principality Premiership, I'm sure he will be pushing hard for a place in the Wales Under 20 squad for the season ahead."

Rhian Davis, Linkage Manager at the Llandeilo branch of Principality Building Society, said: "Congratulations to Haydn Pugh on winning this award. Haydn has performed outstandingly this month and we wish him and the team success for the coming months.

"Principality Building Society prides itself on being close to the community in much the same way as rugby is close to the hearts of the people of Wales. We are delighted to be able to support our local heroes through this sponsorship."

Llandovery Head Coach Iestyn Thomas said, "Haydn has settled into the club incredibly well. He is honest and works very hard in training which pays off in match situations. If he continues to improve at this rate, he has an awesome future ahead of him.

"I would say that playing regular Premiership rugby has certainly had very positive effect on Haydn's development. He has lifted his game in line with the step-up in standard of rugby he is playing and is coming on in leaps and bounds."

HAYDN PUGH FACTFILE
D.O.B.: 29/12/88
Place of Birth: ST. ASAPH
Club: LLANDOVERY
Position: SECOND ROW
Nickname: PUGHIE
Other sports played: GOLF / BOXING
Player most admired: BEN AFEAKI (NZ U19 PROP)
Sportsman most admired: MARTIN JOHNSON
Biggest impact on rugby career: FATHER and SCARLETS ACADEMY
Occupation: BUILDER, JONES BROS, CROSS HANDS