Dragons RFC’s brilliant 22-14 win at Kingston Park against Newcastle last week was a fitting tribute to our most recent hundred appearance man, Dan Lydiate.
However, it also marked the beginning of a Dragons journey for three debutants.
The first of which was second row Nick Thomas who replaced Steve Cummins towards the end of the first half, meanwhile there were also opportunities to see Tongan international prop Paula Latu for the first time in Dragons kit along with 18-year-old Evan Minto.
For Thomas, the experience of his Dragons debut at 19 was “amazing” and doubtless one he will remember for a very long time.
“Just coming on, getting my debut and the jersey was amazing,” said Thomas. “I couldn’t describe it."
“I found out in the meeting when they read out the teamsheet.
“It was just shock really, I didn't think I’d have the opportunity and this early as well. Just amazing.”
With Huw Anderson tearing it up from fullback on his first start, alongside Academy players Oli Andrew, Che Hope, Joe Westwood and Ryan Woodman, Thomas was far from the only young starlet on show.
There was also plenty of experience with internationals Aaron Wainwright, Lydiate and Rodrigo Martinez to the fore.
In coming on for Cummins, Thomas joined experienced lock George Nott in the second row, who had a few wise words for the 19-year-old.
“I came on and Notty [George Nott] and Woody [Ryan Woodman] said: “Enjoy it, enjoy the experience,” said Thomas. “You only get one debut really don't you!
“Notty, Screechy with line outs, Carts [Ben Carter], you can't really describe how much it helps, especially training week in, week out with them.
“You pick up little things and it helps bringing it to your game.”
Thomas more than played his part in a dominant pack on Sunday and even came up with a crucial turnover penalty with eight minutes remaining in the game after a Falcons break.
“When they made the break I just thought - ‘Bloody hell I’m gonna have to slow this ball down, hopefully get a turnover,’” said Thomas.
Like Evan Minto, Thomas gained the opportunity to represent Dragons A against Scarlets and Ospreys Development sides last month, lining up in both the second row and at six.
“They were a great help,” said Thomas. “From the speed of those A games, it really helped going into the debut.
“It's a bit faster than the SRC and then obviously European Challenge Cup is a bit faster than that, which helped.”
Thomas has also featured several times for Newport RFC over the past two seasons, lining up alongside the likes of former Dragons captain Rynard Landman as well as current senior player Barny Langton-Cryer.
“Playing for Newport has been really good, getting minutes, around the boys, it’s a good tight team,” said Thomas.
“There are some top pros in there - Josh Skinner, Roachy [Ben Roach], who help you out with the line out, physicality wise.
“Once you're in a pack with them, it's pretty easy going forward.
“Rynard was a great help, I didn't get to play much with him because of Wales 20s, but being around him, he knows the dark arts a lot, so it was great.”
Next year, Thomas hopes to get further opportunities with Wales under 20s in the Six Nations as well as continuing to gain more experience within the Dragons senior side.
“It’ll be a great opportunity in the Six Nations,” said Thomas.
“We've got a lot of away games, quite a lot of games with big crowds down at Rodney and at the Arms Park.
“I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into that.”
Just coming on, getting my debut and the jersey was amazing, I couldn’t describe it. It was just shock really, I didn't think I’d have the opportunity and this early as well.
