Harries looking to make his mark north of border
HE went to the same school as Ken Owens, came through the academy ranks at the Scarlets and has played age-grade and sevens rugby for Wales.
But it’s taken a move north of the border to ignite the career of Jason Harries.
The 28-year-old wing, a try-scorer for Edinburgh in Saturday’s 28-8 Guinness PRO14 defeat to the Scarlets, looked like being one of those talented young players who had missed the boat at professional level.
He played for the Quins in the Principality Premiership before turning his attention to the sevens circuit, making his Wales debut in Dubai five years ago.
Opting to give the 15-a-side game another crack, Harries joined English Championship side London Scottish in 2015 and after scoring 22 tries in 45 appearances, Richard Cockerill came calling this summer.
“I had been with the Wales Sevens set-up, travelling the world and it gave my game a huge amount, but I wanted to give 15s a real go,” explained Harries.
“I signed for London Scottish, played well for two years there and made the Championship Dream Team in my second season which was pretty special.
“Edinburgh got in touch, gave me a chance and here I am.
“I always wanted someone to believe in me, it is up to me now to show what I am about.”
After impressing in pre-season Harries has started all four league matches for the Scottish outfit, hitting a great line to slice open the Scarlets defence for a first-half score on Saturday evening.
“It was always nice to get over the tryline, especially against your home region, but ultimately it was all in vain because we lost against a very good Scarlets team,” he added.
“All week I had been waiting for that team announcement to see if I would be selected or not, this was a game I was really looking forward to.
“It has been a crazy week of emotions and stuff, it was nice to play here again.
“When I was with the Quins I played a bit at Parc y Scarlets against Llanelli in the Premiership. I played with the likes of Will Boyde, Ryan Elias, James Davies, Rob Evans and I went to the same school as Ken, although he is a few years older, it was nice to see those faces again.
“I was with the Scarlets age grade, Wales Under-18s and 20s, but coming back from the Junior World Cup there was nothing for me at the Scarlets so I just kept working hard for the Quins.”
Harries is on a one-year deal with Edinburgh, so it was crucial he hit the ground running.
“This is the opportunity I have always wanted,” he added.
“There is a lot of competition for places, some really good players and if you don’t play well you know you might not be playing the next game.”
As for his try, those home supporters who might not have been aware of his background would have been surprised to hear some voices with a West Walian lilt chanting Harries’s name on Saturday evening.
“There was a few friends here, which was nice,” smiled Harries.
“My family couldn’t make it, they had a family wedding, but hopefully the television was on so they got to see it.”