Watkin: Hadleigh’s exit >> offers me big opportunity
OWEN Watkin is eager to establish himself as a Test starter this autumn following Hadleigh Parkes’ exit – and then kick on to make a big name for himself.
The Ospreys centre has 22 caps, a Six Nations Grand Slam and a World Cup semi-final all on his CV at the age of 23 and now has a golden opportunity to build on that after inside centre rival Parkes, below, quit Wales duty for a megamoney move to Japan.
But to step into Parkes’ shoes, Watkin knows he needs to press on.
“When you’re in the moment you don’t stop and realise how big some achievements are, but you can’t hang your hat on them,” said Watkin, a Wales squad member since 2017.
“They’re great memories and I’m really proud of them, but all players aspire to achieve everything they can.
You want to be a British Lion, you want to be a 100 cap Welsh international.
“I’m not satisfied and I want to kick on and make a bigger name for myself.”
On his Wales midfield hopes, Watkin added: “I don’t see Hadleigh going as one less rival because there is always someone else coming in to chase you, but I do feel there is maybe an opening for me if I’m performing well and the coaches think I’m good enough.”
Watkin stepped in for the injured Jonathan Davies in Wales’ World Cup quarterfinal win over France last year. The former Bridgend Raven stayed cool under the most intense pressure and now wants to take his game to the next level.
“Even though I’m only 23, I’ve been at the Ospreys a while and I’ve got 22 caps so I’ve got a bit of experience under my belt,” Watkin said. “From an Ospreys perspective it’s a chance for me to take a leadership role and be someone others can come to and learn off.
“I’ve still got stuff to learn, but I want to play for the Ospreys week in, week out and I’ve got aspirations with Wales as well. I’ve got a lot more to offer and I’ve been stopstart with injuries, so hopefully this will be the year I can keep performing.”