FirststartthenI’mOwenforWorldCup
OWEN WATKIN is dreaming of a World Cup spot as he prepares for his first Wales Six Nations start.
The Ospreys centre will partner Hadleigh Parkes in midfield against Italy on Sunday and hopes to put down a marker to head coach Warren Gatland at Principality Stadium.
Gatland has made 10 changes to face the Azzurri as he prepares for the 2019 tournament in Japan and Watkin, 21, said: “I’d love to play in a World Cup. If I perform, fingers crossed I’ll get that chance.
“This is my opportunity to show what I can do.
“They’ve said the summer tour will be used to prepare us for the World Cup. They are going to develop players and get us youngsters ready for that stage because some of the older heads might not be about to step up then.
“When I came into the squad in the autumn I was quite young and inexperienced. It has helped with my development and confidence.
“It has benefited me massively learning from people like Scott Williams and Hadleigh.”
Watkin will start alongside Northampton star George North and the giant wing has been told he can return to Wales immediately and join the Ospreys.
Saints boss Alan Gaffney questioned North’s commitment after he sat out last weekend’s defeat to Sale. He has signed a National Dual Contract to return home next season but the Ospreys plan to bring him back sooner.