Ebbw ace Rubasniak earns first Test call for Poland

DAWID Rubasniak should have been battling relegation and the elements for Ebbw Vale at Carmarthen Quins this weekend, but instead the back rower was winning his first Poland cap.

The 22-year-old is the latest international off the Cardiff Met production line and made his debut against the Netherlands – the leaders of the Rugby Europe Trophy tournament.

The Netherlands topped the pool after big wins over Germany and the Ukraine while Rubasniak’s Poles were in fifth.

The Ebbw man came to Wales when he was seven and played through the Dragons age grade teams and for Ebbw Vale.

“It’s not ideal for us to lose a player of Dawid’s ability at this time of year, but we’re delighted for him,” said Ebbw coach Greg Woods. “He’s always wanted to play for Poland and has worked hard to get there. I’ve known him since he was with the Dragons at 15 and he’s developed into a very fine player for us.

“I’m sure he’ll do his county proud.”

Rubasniak recently graduated with a Master’s degree in strength and conditioning and now works in the health and fitness industry. He has played 7s for Poland, but was only called up into the 15-a-side squad by their Irish head coach Duaine Lindsay.

Ebbw Vale has produced internationals for other countries down the years other than Wales – Arthur Smith (Scotland), Guy Easterby (Ireland), Duncan Bell (England) and Kuli Faletau (Tonga). Others in the Welsh Premiership have also played for European teams: Bridgend fly-half Jamie Murphy is a German international while Pontypridd lock Chris Dicomidis has played for Cyprus.

Brive and Cardiff back rower Gregori Kacala is a former player and coach of the Polish national side and is a member of the governing body in his home countr

The Poles led a recruitment drive for British-based players last year. Ronan and Lawrie Seydak, who both play for Edinburgh Academicals, have been capped, as have wings Ross Cooke (Gala) and Aron Struminski (Taunton), while Chinnor prop Thomas Fidler packed down in the Polish pack with Rubasniak in Amsterdam.