Cardiff Rugby centre Steffan Emmanuel has been named Wales Men’s Young Player of the Year at the Welsh Rugby Union Writers’ Awards.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season with the Blue & Blacks, making six appearances during the 2025/26 campaign after making his senior debut against Lyon in the Challenge Cup during the previous season.

Emmanuel came through the Cardiff Rugby Academy before making the decision to leave Wales at the age of 16 to complete his final two years of schooling at Millfield.

Following his time at the Somerset-based school, Emmanuel returned to Cardiff Rugby and has since continued his development within the club’s senior environment.

His decision to return to Wales came against a backdrop of young Welsh talent increasingly seeking opportunities outside the country, while exposure to senior rugby at Cardiff has provided Emmanuel with valuable experience as he has earned his place in the senior squad.

At international level, Emmanuel has been a key figure for Wales Under-20s, earning 23 caps and captaining the side in their recent successful Junior World Championship campaign.

The award recognises a significant period of development for Emmanuel, who continues to establish himself as part of Cardiff’s senior squad while remaining an exciting player for the future in Wales.