Nick Tompkins is a target for every Welsh region next season, as he is set to move on from the relegated Saracens where he has spent all of his career so far. He’s a man in demand, still finding his feet at test level, but a proven performer in the Champions Cup. He has a big decision to make, where does he fit in best? where would be enjoy it the most? Let’s break down his options.

Scarlets
The team with the most history in the Champions Cup, who also welcome back former saracen Liam Williams. Tompkins would face competition to start in the midfield in Llanelli with Hadleigh Parkes and Jonathan Davies being the first choice pairing. Samoan international Kieran Fonotia is also vying for a space as is Steff Hughes. I don’t think the fit is quite right for Tompkins as Wayne Pivac will want Tompkins playing week in week out, plus I’m not sure there is enough money in the kitty for Tompkins, due to Williams lining up alongside Leigh Halfpenny in the back three.

‘He’s learning his trade at test level… If he needs a home we are happy to provide that’

Scarlets coach Brad Mooar discusses his interest in securing the services of Tompkins in Llanelli when speaking to BBC sport

Ospreys
It’s been a tough season at the Liberty stadium this year, an awful injury list and a champions cup group from hell has seen them take some beatings. A shambles off the field as well in the way Alan Clarke left the club 2019-20 will be a season to forget for players and supporters alike. On paper the ospreys have a stellar centre partnership in Owen watkin and Scott Williams, but both have been on the physio table this year. Youngsters Kieran Williams and Tiann Thomas Wheeler are also cutting their teeth in professional rugby and have promise. I think the Ospreys have too much work to do to stabilise the club off the field for them to be an appealing prospect for Tompkins. They need to spend their money more wisely than they did last season when they signed Gareth Anscombe who was set to be away at the World Cup and eventually missed the whole season with a cruciate Knee ligament injury.

Dragons
Dean Ryan has done a fantastic job so far this year in establishing a winning culture in Newport and his young team seems to be enjoying his approach. They could secure Champions cup rugby this year and it seems likely they will be in a champions cup okay off against the Blues come the summer. Tompkins would be a good fit for the men of Gwent, he would add another option in the centres alongside Tyler Morgan and Jack Dixon, two talented players who have had their issues with injuries. Whether the region had enough money to bring in Tompkins is another matter. They seem to set for a battle for Ross Moriarty’s signature, although they have a stellar back row without the former Gloucester man, who may be Ospreys bound to return to his home town club. Dragons certainly have their mojo back and Tompkins could be the jewel in their crown.
Blues
As good a fit Tompkins would be at the Dragons, it’s the Blues I think he would be best suited. They already have an impressive back line with Matthew Morgan, Hallam Amos and Josh Adams providing firepower and Jarrod Evans having serious ability on the ball, it’s centre where I feel they could improve. They have Ray Lee lo and the injured Willis Haloholo, who is now qualified for wales on residency grounds. Apart from that they have Ben Thomas emerging from the academy, Tompkins would come in as a Welsh qualified player and could provide the experience alongside Thomas which could see the Blues become a force like they were when Jamie Roberts and Leigh Halfpenny were in their early years. Owen Lane is also in the squad, but will miss time with his torn hamstring . Tompkins will feel at home at the arms park due to the playing surface being the same as the field at Allianz Park in Barnet and will also have the capital city to live in. I feel that Tompkins can thrive playing for the blues, whether that’s on a year long loan deal or a permanent swap to the pro 14.