Why Lane’s on the fast track to success for both Blues and Wales
For around eight years, I helped coach one of the junior teams at Llandaff RFC in Cardiff.
Now when I say coach, it was more a case of putting out the cones and holding the tackle bags.
But it was good fun and very rewarding. It also enabled me to cast an eye over the young talent coming through in the area.
There were plenty of gifted kids around, but there was one particular youngster who stood out from the crowd.
Pretty much every season, the best player my Llandaff team came up against was a certain Owen Lane.
When Rhiwbina rolled up at the Bishop’s Field, you always checked to see if the young centre was playing and, if he was, you knew you it was going to be a challenging day in midfield.
He looked to have the lot – pace, power and good hands, with the power increasing with each passing year.
You just felt if anyone was going to make it from that age group, it would be him.
So it’s been very satisfying over the last month or so to see him bursting onto the scene in such impressive fashion with Cardiff Blues.
There’s always a worry that talented young players might not fulfil their potential, given the drop out rate from junior rugby and the way some kids just never quite make the final step up.
But, happily, in the case of Lane, it all looks to be coming together.
Presented with an opportunity by injuries on the wing, he has grabbed it in emphatic fashion.
He’s played every minute of the Blues’ last seven games and has really caught the eye with his roving threat with ball in hand.
He marked his PRO14 debut with a Man of the Match display against Connacht, which he capped with a sharply taken try as he picked a Gareth Anscombe pass up off his toes and rolled over the line.
Then on Boxing Day came another Man of the Match award following a compelling all-round performance in the victory over the Dragons at Rodney Parade where he memorably put Gavin Henson on his backside in the build-up to Aled Summerhill’s opening try.
It’s early days yet, but everything is going in the right direction, with a first senior Blues contract signed last month.
Looking further ahead, Lane is just the kind of player who would be right up Warren Gatland’s street with his speed, physicality and off-loading ability and the fact he’s a bright young lad.
He also has the ability to cover both wing and his preferred role of outside centre, which is a position Wales are certainly looking for extra depth in.
A former pupil of Whitchurch High School, the Cardiffian – who turned 20 just before Christmas – is a refreshing example of someone who has added application to natural talent.
“I played with Rhiwbina until U16s and that’s when I decided to take my rugby a bit more seri- ously,” he explains.
“I concentrated with the Blues age grade stuff and just worked my way up.”
He made his regional debut at just 17 in a pre-season friendly against Bristol in August 2015 and has represented Wales at U18s, U20s and Sevens level.
It was his time on the Sevens circuit last season which proved particularly beneficial as he overcame a bit of a post-injury blip.
“It was definitely a massive help and one of the best experiences I’ve had so far,” he said.
“I went into the Sevens on a bit of a run of bad form, so I was quite low on confidence.
“I’d had a knee op and come back quite heavy. I was probably sitting at about 102 kg (16st 1lb), which is quite heavy for me.
“I felt quite sluggish. I didn’t feel quite quick enough or sharp enough.
“The Sevens brought my body weight down and just increased my confidence.
“It definitely helped my game no end. It brought me fitter and increased my confidence with ball in hand and stuff like that.
“It was a big help for me and I really enjoyed it.”
Lane began this season with the Cardiff RFC club side, for whom he has made 16 appearances in all.
But come November, injuries on the wing created an opening and after a couple of Anglo-Welsh outings came the memorable league debut against Connacht.
“When I came off at the end of that game, I couldn’t help but smile, because I’ve wanted to play for the Blues since I was young,” he said.
“I’ve played through all of the age grade stuff, so I was just really happy at getting an opportunity to play.
“There were a few injuries that opened the door for me and when you get a chance, you’ve just got to try and take it.”
He will continue on the right wing in the sold-out New Year’s Eve clash with the Scarlets at the Arms Park.
So where does the versatile youngster see his future lying?
“Look, I have spoken to Danny (Wilson) and the coaches about it and I want to play my rugby at 13,” he admitted.
“Hopefully I can push myself into that spot if I keep performing.
“But I just want to play rugby for the Blues, so I’d play anywhere to get in the team. It doesn’t really bother me.
“The opportunity has come on the wing and it’s a case of taking every opportunity when it comes.”
As for the player he takes inspiration from, well he hasn’t picked a bad role model.
“When I was growing up, I always used to idolise Dan Carter in the way he played the game,” he reveals.
“I just looked up to him and that’s where I kind of got my motivation.”
Lane, who shares a house with young Blues full-back Rhun Williams, has delighted head coach Danny Wilson with his efforts.
“He’s a hell of a prospect coming through,” said Wilson.
“He’s had his opportunity through players being injured and he’s taken it.
“He’s hard-working and a diligent pro as well. He’s also a real bright lad who is learning all the time.
“He’s a bit of a sponge in terms of absorbing coaching and experiences.
“I think it will stand him and the Blues in good stead.”
So, welcome to life in the fast Lane, Owen. Good to see you here.