Rugby Bears duo see their dreams of international glory come true
BRISTOL Bears have a pair of new internationals in the ranks in the form of Welsh fly-half Callum Sheedy and England full-back Max Malins.
Both men came off the bench for their respective nations in the opening round of the new Autumn Nations Cup.
Neither man was given the opportunity to show their full potential but have taken their first steps on what could well be long and prosperous international careers at just 25 and 23 respectively.
Sheedy replaced Dan Biggar at fly-half in Dublin as Wales lost their sixth game in a row, going down 32-9 to Ireland on Friday night. He
is now in with a shot of starting against Georgia next weekend.
England eased past Georgia 40-0 at a soaking Twickenham to go top of the standings in their pool A, with Bristol duo Ben Earl and Kyle Sinckler also adding to their caps in the contest.
Despite the defeat in Ireland, flyhalf Sheedy was ‘bursting with pride’ at the final whistle as the Cardiff-born playmaker spoke to WRU TV.
He said: “It is obviously disappointing my family and friends couldn’t be here but I am bursting with pride and it is a dream come true.
“My mum and dad shared a few tears with me which was nice, they are so happy for me. “Over the years they have followed me all over the country, through Wales and when I went to boarding school (at Millfield School), they have missed three games in my career. I wish they were here but they are not, but I will have a nice FaceTime with them tonight.”
Sheedy was presented with his first cap by Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones who was extending the world record for test caps on Friday, making his 150th appearance at the age of 35. Sheedy said: “Alun Wyn is such a legend. He is a hero of mine. I remember watching him growing up, to play the number of games he has, just to be able to share the pitch and training pitch with him is really special for me.
“It was just amazing, an incredible feeling and one I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Sadly newly named Fiji captain Semi Radradra was unable to lead his side out against France with the game cancelled due to a breakout of Covid-19 in the Fijian camp.
The Bristol centre was one of those who tested positive for the virus.
Fiji are due to face Italy next weekend subject to testing this week. Radradra however will be isolating.