Friday’s clash against Montpellier isn’t simply the beginning of Dragons RFC’s European Challenge Cup campaign, it could also be a special occasion for one backrower.
If selected, Taine Basham could earn his 100th appearance for the club during a career that started nearly seven years ago when he started against Scarlets in January 2018.
“It’s weird, it feels like a long time ago now,” said Basham.
“I made my debut in 2018 against Scarlets and, since then, I’ve sort of just been involved and appearances started racking up.
“It’s a proud moment for me to get my hundredth for my local club, being the Gwent boy that I am. There’ll be a lot of, tickets, on sale and I'll get some tickets in for everyone!”
As a thank you, Basham will be giving his hometown club Talywain RFC in Abersychan 100 tickets to a Dragons home game to celebrate the occasion.
Interim head coach Filo Tiatia, who was left stranded on 99 appearances for Ospreys during his time there said that it will be a “special milestone” for Basham should he be selected.
Like most players, Basham has had his fair share of “ups and downs” during his career with highlights including playing for Wales against the All Blacks.
Having struggled with injuries last season, Basham’s four tries in five games this term show that he continues to be a potent weapon for Dragons RFC as he hopes to return to the national setup.
“Personally, I’ve had a good rise going into the Welsh team and stuff and then recently not being involved and trying to fight my way back into that squad,” said Basham.
“There are plenty of good memories and stuff that I look back on. We've had good times and there are a good bunch of lads here, we all work hard for each other.
“I’ve just taken it game by game and the appearances started racking up. Last year, being out with injuries and stuff I’m now really looking forward to finally getting my century done.”
Basham will be hoping Friday is another of his many highlights and a game in which he can recreate his heroics from facing Castres in the 2019/20 season where he scored a first-half hattrick during a 31-17 home win.
“It's a different cup, different challenge,” said Basham.
“We can look forward to it as a fresh start sort of thing. With the URC, we probably left two or three wins out there, that's the most disappointing thing.
"With this being a new competition there's a fresh start and we look forward to getting out there Friday.”
As a Dragon through and through, there will be nowhere better than Rodney Parade under the Friday night lights for Basham to celebrate his century.
“Friday Night at Rodney Parade is something over the years that us players look forward to,” said Basham.
“Especially when a French team comes to town, we've had some good results and good performances in the past, so I’m looking forward to it.
“It’s a big occasion with it being my hundredth and hopefully I'll be able to run out with my little boy Tommy and it’ll be a special moment for me.”
Tickets to watch Dragons RFC tackle Montpellier remain on sale NOW! Click HERE to buy online or call 01633 670690.
It’s a big occasion with it being my hundredth and hopefully I'll be able to run out with my little boy Tommy and it’ll be a special moment for me...
