In a time when Welsh rugby hasn’t been hitting the heights of old in international rugby, it’s no wonder so many look to identify the next generation of stars.
For large parts of the domestic season in Wales, that will be looking at the relatively new Super Rygbi Cymru (SRC) league, put in place to allow the next crop of young talent to play a decent level of senior rugby on a consistent basis.
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Some future stars have already made their regional debuts in the United Rugby Championship, and some in the Gallagher Prem.
However, when it comes to the World Rugby U20 Championship and, in the past, the Six Nations as well, those talented players coming through are starting to make an even greater impression.
When looking at the teams competing in Georgia, it’s clear that attention turns to identifying the next greats of English, French, South African, and New Zealand rugby.
But even for Wales, a nation struggling internationally, there can be pride and successes for years to come.
Now, prior to Christmas, Dan Fish’s Cardiff RFC faced Bridgend Ravens, coached by former Wales international Scott Baldwin, at the Arms Park.
It was the Blue and Blacks’ last outing in the Welsh capital of the year, and they needed to be triumphant in this derby contest.
Fish’s side ran out 49-12 victors on that cold but sunny late afternoon. However, in this contest, Tom Howe, who had only recently turned 18, made his Cardiff RFC debut.
As a prospect goes, the young hooker is definitely one to be excited for. That was so clear on that day too, having been on for only a matter of minutes, he expertly scored from close range.
From being under the tutelage of a brilliant set-up for developing players in the capital, he carried that form into the U20s Six Nations, where he continued to shine.
One of the standouts is his maturity and his hunger to be better. He’s in a different league physically from any other players his age.
Even now, he’s showing all the ingredients of becoming a future star, and will hope this rapid rise continues.
Despite scoring against his side in December, even Baldwin has made one of the boldest of predictions, which at this time seems to be ageing like a fine wine.
“Tom Howe to play for Wales within three years,” he said on social media. Bold, yes. But down the line, that looks like more of a spoiler for what’s to come than a prediction.
The former hooker also spoke on the Scrum V Podcast following the U20s triumph against host nation Georgia last Saturday, 25-24, and yet again heaped praise upon the youngster.
“I’ve been a big fan of his since I’ve watched him; I think Tom Howe (has a bright future).
“He’s got the highest of ceilings I’ve seen of a hooker coming through in Wales.
“I put him in the same category as Dewi (Lake), but he’s probably further down the line in his development as a hooker for his age profile. He’s first-year U20s.
“I know from speaking to Steve (Tandy) that he’s already in their thoughts, of 12-18 months’ time. I think he’s just got such a high ceiling. He’s big; he’s coachable.”
These sorts of predictions add a considerable amount of weight onto young shoulders, but Howe, who is only 18, seems to be thriving, and it doesn’t seem to be premature.
Whilst he also played in the back row at a young age of 14-15 (three years ago), he has developed into a player with the potential to make a great impact on the global stage when the time is right.
Wales U20s Team News vs Uruguay U20s
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Howe is cherished among the Wales U20s squad; after another positive outing in Tbilisi, he has been rested for their encounter against Uruguay U20s at Avchala Stadium (KO: 10:00 GMT).
Whiffin’s side enter that contest on the back of a nail-biting heroic performance against Georgia, as only Tom Bowen and captain Deian Gwynne remain in the starting XV.
These two, like Howe, have high ceilings and are key players in this squad.
Bristol Bears’ Cai Gealy will earn his first cap, as will Dragons RFC’s Brogan Leary and Ospreys’ Jack Hoskins.
Also, Bowen, who was cleared to play by the independent Foul Play Review Committee after receiving a red card against Georgia, switches from wing to fullback.
“It was satisfying to get a win in our opening pool game against Georgia, the first time Wales had won their opening game since 2019, so it sets us up nicely for the tournament,” added Whiffin.
“We’ve freshened the squad up to give other players an opportunity so hopefully everyone has had a crack in the tournament after the two opening games.
‘We had a few sore bodies after the physical encounter against Georgia, but the boys have recovered well.
“The boys are excited to get going against Uruguay as they are an opponent we don’t come across very often, so that provides a unique challenge in itself.
“They will be smarting after a heavy defeat to defending champions South Africa in their opening pool match.
“As always, though, we won’t be taking anything for granted and will go into the match determined to put in a good performance.
“If we do that, then the result should take care of itself,” Whiffin said.
Wales U20s team to play Uruguay U20s:
15 Tom Bowen (Cardiff Rugby)
14 Dylan Scott (Cardiff Met)
13 Bailey Cutts (Bath Rugby)
12 Jack Hoskins (Ospreys)
11 Brogan Leary (Dragons RFC)
10 Lloyd Lucas (Cardiff Rugby)
9 Cai Gealy (Bristol Bears)
1 Dylan James (Ospreys)
2 Oscar Thomas (Bath Rugby)
3 Yestyn Cook (Scarlets)
4 Luke Evans (Exeter Chiefs)
5 Osian Williams (Bristol Bears)
6 Deian Gwynne (Capt) (Gloucester Rugby)
7 Sam Morgan (Ospreys)
8 Alex Ridgway (Bath Rugby)
Replacements:
16 James Talamai (Dragons RFC)
17 George Tuckley (Dragons RFC)
18 Isaac Godfrey (Exeter Chiefs)
19 Tom Cottle (Cardiff Rugby)
20 Evan Minto (Dragons RFC)
21 Siôn Davies (Cardiff Rugby)
22 Carwyn Leggatt-Jones (Scarlets)
23 Steff Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby)
