YOUNG GUNS
Boarding a plane to Argentina with the Wales U20s squad in June, 18-year-old centre Aneurin Owen had been looking forward to adding the crowning glory to a stellar season at age group level.
Impressive performances for the U18s had earned him a shot at the U20s Six Nations a full year ahead of his time and, after appearing in all five matches, the Junior World Cup beckoned. His involvement, however, would sadly be all too brief.
“It lasted one minute, twenty seconds to be precise,” recalls Owen. “Coming from the U18s, the U20s was always a target and I was so pleased to be involved in the Six Nations and then get a Junior World Cup shot, but my tournament was over before it began.
“Just over a minute into our first match against Argentina, I ran a short line and got the ball but a defender tackled with me with his wrong shoulder. We clashed heads, he caught me on the chin and I was out cold. That was me done, so off I went home!”
Happily, Owen quickly regained his faculties and, after receiving the good news last week that he had gained ALevels in maths, PE and history, he is now setting about the task of forging a career in the Dragons midfield as part of their first team squad.
He explained: “What happened in Argentina was disappointing but you soon put it behind you and I’m ready to go again now.
It’s been a tough preseason with new management at the Dragons under Dean Ryan, but at the same time it’s been refreshing.
“Everyone’s excited about making the club better and Dean’s been really good with the younger guys. He’ll always come up and talk to us, give us stuff to improve on and he’s explained where he sees all of us in the club. I like what he’s doing and the way he wants to play so with this being my first year with the first team, I’m enjoying pushing myself hard.”
Having played all his rugby as a No.10 until the age of 16, Owen switched to inside-centre where he is now competing with a number of senior players.
“We’ve got some very experienced centres in guys like Tyler Morgan, Jack Dixon and Adam Warren but to learn off them is brilliant and they’re giving me little pointers,” says Owen.
“There’s a good group of young centres as well and we’re all pushing each other hard, so my aim at the moment is to play in the Celtic Cup and push for a starting place.
“I’m involved with Ebbw Vale and might get more games there as well, so I’ll just keep my head down, take any opportunities to play and try to keep the shirt.”
A huge fan of Owen Farrell, Johnny Sexton and Dan Carter, Owen would love another crack at international rugby himself. He added: “I’ll certainly have a bit of unfinished business at next year’s Junior World Cup in Italy – if selected, of course!”