Centre Harri Ackerman has relished his senior experience with Dragons as he prepares to turn his attention to Wales Under-20s captaincy.
Ackerman made his club debut in the European victory over Oyonnax last month and his first start in the New Year’s Day win over Scarlets.
It has been a big jump forward for the 19-year-old midfielder from Newbridge and he has enjoyed every second.
And as he prepares to link up with Wales Under-20s and captain his country for the first time in the Six Nations, the Dragons Academy product has reflected on his past six weeks.
“It’s been great to get a few games under my belt,” said Ackerman.
“I didn’t think it would happen this soon or this many games, so it has been a good experience. It’s great to play with the quality around me.
“It was a surprise how quickly the call-up came – I didn’t even see my name on the team sheet until one of the boys nudged me in a team meeting.
“You’re always nervous before your first game - it was good to get into it.
“It’s about getting that taste for it. I know there is stuff I need to work on, and I am nowhere near the finished article.
“I just want to see how much action I can get a become a better player.”
Ackerman made his full debut lining up against Wales centre Johnny Williams and last week went face-to-face with South African ace and World Cup winner Lukhanyo Am.
“It’s crazy, isn’t it?” smiled Ackerman. “It was a bit nerve wracking on the morning of the game knowing I was coming up against Lukayno Am – in my eyes one of the best centres in the world.
“But you have to realise you are just playing a game of rugby and we need to go through our systems.
“I just want to build on the good parts and learn from the bad parts,” he added.
“I am a physical centre. That is what coaches tell me to do when I get the ball and play my own game, but it is also learning that I can’t just be a one-dimensional player.
“I just want to keep learning on the field and play games. It’s learning as the season progresses and we all get older.”
Ackerman is one of a group of talented centres at the club keen to grasp first team action.
And the youngster has revealed how while everyone brings something different to the game, they are all working as one unit to get better.
“The centres here all have different aspects, so it gives is options. We have boys who can play the ball and boys who can run the ball,” he said.
“It is tough to defend so we just need to keep working together to get better.
“People like Steff (Hughes) have been amazing. He knows a lot and would make a very good coach!” added Ackerman.
“If you ever have a question, he will be there to help you with it and will explain it to you too. He won’t just tell you to do something, he’ll always explain why.”
It was a surprise how quickly the call-up came – I didn’t even see my name on the team sheet until one of the boys nudged me in a team meeting...
