RISING STARS D E WI 1 LAKE
hen did you first play?
I was five. My father took me down to my first training session and I started at U7s with Valley Ravens. He played in the back row for Treorchy and Pontyclun.
Did you play any other sports growing up? A lot – gymnastics, swimming, table tennis, football, a bit of golf. In the end it was a toss-up between gymnastics and rugby. I was doing well in gymnastics and I represented Wales in a home nations competition when I was nine or ten. Then, as I was going into comprehensive school, rugby started picking up. What positions have you played? Eight months ago I started the transition to hooker. Before that I was a back-row. Last season I had a chat with my coaches at the Ospreys and they said they wanted to keep me as a hooker. It’s been a hard nine months but I’m happy with how far I’ve come.
It wasn’t a shock when they wanted me to move position. The good thing was they wanted me to pursue it with them, so I was on board straightaway. What has been most difficult? Throwing. It’s the biggest work-on and the thing I’ve found hardest to get to grips with. What are your strengths? My ball-carrying and defensive work. I make big hits and carry hard.
WWhen did you join up with Ospreys? I first linked up with the U16s. I played for the U18s and now I’m in the academy. I made my senior debut in April (against Zebre). It was an amazing experience. Who’s been the biggest influence on your career? My father. Then in the past year Ospreys coaches Duncan Jones and Tom Smith have helped with my transition to hooker. It’s great that they have played at a high level. I wouldn’t be where I am without those three.
Who were your childhood heroes? There wasn’t a lot of rugby on telly in our house so my old man, David, is a big one. Also Martyn Williams. I watched him in the Wales team that won Grand Slams. What do you do away from rugby? I work with the WRU as a rugby development apprentice. So in my spare time I coach children. A lot of time has been put into me, so it’s nice to be able to help out other children and see their development.
Age
19 (16 May 1999)