Hectic week ends with international debut for new dad
AT then end of a week where Wales have been faced with a crisis at tighthead prop, so a No 3 from Carmarthen made his Test debut.
But it was the thistle rather than the three feathers that Scarlet Javan Sebastian was wearing on his chest.
The former Wales age-grade international was named on the bench for Scotland’s Murrayfield meeting with Japan on Saturday afternoon and came on and won his first cap on 63 minutes.
It sealed an eventful and memorable week in which his partner, Kaylee, gave birth to their son, Marcellus. It’s some story for the 27-year-old who has been a bit of a fringe figure for much of his time with the Scarlets, having been with them since 2013, coming up through the Academy.
His first-team opportunities have generally been limited and he has played much of his rugby at semi-pro Premiership level for Carmarthen Quins.
But last season proved something of a breakthrough campaign for him, as he made 17 appearances, playing the majority of PRO14 matches and also featuring in the Champions Cup.
His all-action performances didn’t go unnoticed by the Scotland management.
They were aware he was eligible through his father, Edwin, who hails from Edinburgh, while head coach Gregor Townsend knew Sebastian from a year-long spell he had with Glasgow.
So, the Scarlets tighthead was named in the squad for this summer’s games against England A, Georgia and Romania.
As it turned out, all three matches were cancelled due to Covid issues.
But he remained in Townsend’s thoughts and was called up last month ahead of the Autumn Nations Series.
And he got his chance, having been included among the replacements to face Japan.
Townsend explained that Sebastian has been travelling back and forth between Edinburgh and Wales during the international window, with the baby due.
“He’s had a busy old time these last two weeks because his wife was due to give birth two or three days ago, but on his first day up in camp two or three weeks ago, the contractions started,” he said.
“So, he was only able to stay one day.
“But it has taken a while and his partner gave birth to a baby boy on Tuesday and the day before he’d found out he was in the Scotland squad, so it has been a big week for him.
“This week he committed to staying up even though he knew that this could be the time his partner was going to give birth.
“The timing was pretty good in that we announced the team on the Tuesday, he trained, she was in the hospital on Tuesday night but the baby didn’t arrive until Wednesday.
“He was tuned in on face-time and you can imagine how delighted he has been. He is buzzing for the weekend. All is well and partner and baby are back home.”
Sebastian was actually eligible for three countries.
He was born in Bury St Edmunds to an English mother and a Scottish father before moving to Carmarthen at the age of two.
As a youngster, Sebastian represented Wales at U16s and U18s level and was about to turn out for the U20s when he injured his shoulder.
“I did it just before I went into camp with them,” he explained. “At the time you’re devastated, but now, in a
way it was a saving grace. I think I would have been captured at that stage.
“When Gregor phoned me and asked if I was willing to commit to Scotland, I jumped at the chance.”