Elliot Dee has fond memories of watching the 2015 Rugby World Cup with his regional team-mates – four years on he is set to line up alongside them in rugby’s biggest tournament.
Dee was named in Wales' 31-man squad at the weekend for the tournament in Japan alongside Cory Hill, Aaron Wainwright and Ross Moriarty.
The 25-year-old from Newbridge admits it was a ‘dream come true’ to get the nod after two years impressing on the international stage.
Dee has been a regular in Warren Gatland's team since making his debut against Georgia in 2017, featuring in 21 of 23 Tests.
He has also featured in all three warm-up Tests this summer and looks set to get more action this weekend against Ireland in Dublin.
And the popular front rower is determined to clock up more action when the Rugby World Cup kicks-off later this month.
“It’s a massive dream come true,” he said. “After the last 13 or 14 weeks of training and the games it was a bit of a relief to finally get named in the squad and realise the job we have now got in Japan.
“I was sat on the settee when the squad was announced and my other half was refreshing her phone. I was trying not to look at mine and let the day go as normal.
“She had the video on so I sat with her and it was really nice the way it was revealed and to have my name called out.
“It was great how the WRU opted to announce the squad. It means a lot coming from Newbridge and seeing the club and Jenson, my mate’s little boy, read my name out.
“A lot of work has gone into the preparation and the three warm-up games that have already passed. Now it is taking that on, building momentum and it’s leading up to the first game in Japan.”
As for his memories of four years ago – and that epic win over England?
“I was out with the boys celebrating that Hallam (Amos) was playing and Toby (Faletau) was playing,” smiled Dee.
“I think it was a Dragons social so it was a special day. It was great to watch and you wish that one day you will be part of it. Now that could happen.”
The hooker will travel to the World Cup with the very best wishes of everyone connected to Dragons and Dee admits the support he has had from the region means a huge amount.
“I’m proud to be from the Dragons region, proud to be from Newbridge and Gwent,” he said.
“It means a lot to me and I do really appreciate all the support I’ve had over the years, that’s from coaches and players, and I’ll go out there to do my very best.
“I’ve never been to Japan so I am looking forward to the entire experience. I like my sushi so that should be good - I can try the best in the world,” he added.
“I’m looking forward to using all this prep that we’ve done, using this hard work to go out there and showcase what we can do. It’s exciting and we all cannot wait to get started.”
Dee has also backed regional team-mate Leon Brown to achieve a huge amount for Wales in the future after the prop missed out on selection.
“I was relieved to get the call, but straight away I thought of the boys who didn’t get the nod,” said Dee. “They’ve been through the same hard work, the same sessions and games that we have all been through.
“I was gutted for Leon. I text him straight away and told him how well I thought he had trained. There is nothing more he could have done.
“You always forget with Leon just how young he is. He is a big powerful man and there is loads more he is going to do in a Wales shirt.
“He’s on standby, he’s put in the same hard work that we have all done and he will be ready if the call comes.”
I do really appreciate all the support I’ve had over the years, that’s from coaches and players, and I’ll go out there to do my very best...
