Kieran Hardy

Find out more about the Scarlets scrum-half being tipped f or a Wales call-up

“My first rugby memory is going to watch my father play for my local village club, Pontyberem. I started playing for them when I was five and continued there until I was 16. My dad was a scrum-half who ended up in the centres, so I wanted to be a centre growing up. We went opposite ways to each other!”

“I wish I had a hidden talent.

I’d say I’m a good singer. For my go-to song I’d probably do

Madonna, LikeA Prayer. ”

“My biggest influence? When I wasn’t playing much at the Scarlets, Harvey Biljon saw something in me and gave me the opportunity to continue

being a pro at Jersey. Without that I wouldn’t be

where I am now.”

“‘Don’t ever give anyone the opportunity to say you didn’t do your best’. I think my dad said that to me. It’s something I’ve thought going into any session, small or big, to

give my all every time.”

“My

daughter, Piper, came along 20 months ago. If anything I’m now more driven as a player; I’m not just doing it for myself any more, I’m doing it for my family, my partner Ellie, trying to be the best I

can be.”

“Lockdown taught me how to stay connected.

You don’t know how other people are feeling, so sending that little text to a mate, checking in, could mean a lot

to them.”

“Going to Jersey for two years was the best decision I’ve ever made. It was a risk and I’d never lived away from home before, but I knew I wanted to continue to play rugby and I thought by going over there I would have the opportunity to get better.”

“Dwayne

Peel was a local boy and was always my favourite player growing up. He’s from Tumble, which is the next village from where I lived, and I always watched him play for Scarlets and Wales. I was lucky enough that he did some work with us in

the academy.”

“If I could meet anyone alive or dead… Muhammad

Ali. I watched a lot of boxing growing up and he had this aura, people were drawn to him and to his energy. Just to meet him and feel that would be quite

special.”

“Everyone grows up wanting to play for

their country. I’m focused on my job at the Scarlets and getting better

every week. If the (Wales) call came I’d

be honoured.”

“When I came back (to Scarlets) from Jersey I was a completely different person, on and off the field. I just had more confidence in my own ability and in general. I was lucky enough to play in a competitive league every week and it was a real learning curve.”