YOUNG GUNS

Jared Rosser is one of the bright young stars the Dragons hope can fire them into a new era.

The 19-year-old winger from Abergavenny is in his first season of professional rugby at Rodney Parade and is hoping to become an automatic selection in Bernard Jackman’s match-day 23.

Over ambitious some would say, but Welsh rugby has seen teenagers rise rapidly in the past with the likes of George North and Tom Prydie having made their mark while barely out of school.

Rosser was educated at Abersychan Comprehensive in Pontypool and his talent was quickly picked up by the Dragons who developed him through their academy system.

Rosser believes it has given him the best grounding possible as he bids to make his mark on the pro game.

“My goal for this season is to cement myself as a permanent fixture in the 23-man squad every week and play as many times as I can,” he said.

“Going up into the academy has been really good for me because you are in a tight-knit group of 10 to 15 boys and you get a lot of oneto-one attention. There’s no stone left unturned.

“You have somebody that looks after you with regards to conditioning to make sure you are in the physical state you need to be to play senior rugby.

“Then there’s a specialist to look after other areas. Anything you need to get better at is catered for.”

Rosser remains a novice at PRO12 level, but he has previous experience of the international scene despite his tender years.

The talented back made his debut for Principality Premiership side Ebbw Vale in the 2015-16 campaign when he was just 17. He scored the decisive try in the Steelmen’s play-off semi-final victory over Llandovery that season as Ebbw went on to be crowned champions by beating Pontypridd in the final.

Rosser represented Wales U20 last season and has experience of the international Sevens circuit with his country.

For most young men, going out and partying is the norm. But for those looking for a career in sport, sacrifices have to be made.

“Being in an academy set-up makes that choice for you because you are around the senior boys and you see the sacrifices they are making,” said Rosser.

“I played my first senior game for the Dragons against Leinster this season and this is the first year where I’ve been training with the senior squad every day.

“It is a big step up, but the likes of Gavin Henson and Cory Hill help me out with different aspects of my game so I don’t feel like I've been dropped in at the deep end. My peers and coaches have made my time in the senior squad easy, but it is nice to have a bit of downtime.

“I like to just chill out, walk the dog and switch off from rugby."

Rosser’s pace and acceleration have seen him make a mark with Wales Sevens and he impressed in both the Dubai and Cape Town legs last season.

Rosser says the 35year-old Henson has been a huge support. “The coaches help you a lot, but they aren’t on the pitch,” said Rosser. “Gavin can pick up on things then and there and he can fix them so the next time something happens, the team is in a better place.”