Talented young centre Joe Westwood is eager to build on a season of personal progress at Dragons RFC and finish the season on a high at Judgement Day.
Westwood will line-up in the 13 jersey - alongside Aneurin Owen in midfield - at Cardiff City Stadium for the final game of the BKT United Rugby Championship on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
The Blackwood-born back has impressed for the Men of Gwent this campaign – making seven appearances to date.
The 20-year-old excelled off the bench against Ospreys last time out and will now look to replicate that as he makes his third start of the season.
“It’s been a good season for me,” said Westwood. “I had a strong start with Newport but was the out for a couple of months with injury, after that it was nice to get back and play nearly every week.
“That’s been ideal and what I needed. A lot of us youngsters have had opportunities because of the squad size.
“That’s exactly what we want and then when we haven’t been playing for the Dragons, we have been getting game time in the Premiership.
“I enjoyed the Ospreys game. I was just happy to get on early and do as much as I can do.
“The injuries over the last 18 months have been something I’ve had to deal with. I had ankle surgery last year, fractured my wrist soon after I got back and then I broke my leg.
“It was tough, especially because I missed out on Wales Under-20s Six Nations. It was my first serious injury of my career, but you have to deal with it and now I’m looking forward.”
Westwood has joined the professional ranks with a lot of top-class rugby pedigree behind him in his family.
His grandfather, Keith Westwood, was a fine player for Ebbw Vale and Newbridge – and even lined up against the All Blacks for the Combined Abertillery & Ebbw Vale side in 1963 at Abertillery Park.
Joe’s father, Jonathan Westwood – now Commercial Director at Dragons RFC - played for Wales U19 and U21, earned a call-up to the Wales National Squad and faced the world champion Wallabies for Monmouthshire on their 1992 tour.
And his grandfather on his mother’s side is none other than Allan Lewis, who played for Abertillery and Newport, was capped six times by Wales and famously was part of the 1966 British & Irish Lions squad that toured Australia and New Zealand.
“To be fair to them, they have never really pushed me into rugby, they have allowed me to find my own path,” admitted Westwood.
“I watched lots of rugby as a kid from a young age and really enjoyed it.
“I soon went down that route and have always wanted to follow them. I’ve always been around it and it’s great to have all that success in the family to try and build on.”
Westwood’s attention now turns to the season finale and Judgement Day in the capital.
And the young back admits excitement is growing for the showcase of Welsh rugby where a lot of young talent will be on display.
“It’s a big occasion and hopefully we can finish the season on a good note. I’ll hopefully get lots of involvements and enjoy it,” he said.
“I played with Aneurin (Owen) in pre-season against the Ospreys and really enjoyed it, so it’ll be great to line up alongside him again.
“There will be lots of young talent from across all the regions playing – plenty for Dragons – so it’ll be good to see everyone out to impress.
“We know what’s coming this weekend. I played with Eddie James with Wales Under-20s, and I’ll look forward to the challenge. They are big physical ball carriers, so it’ll be a big battle.
“I feel I’ve made progress this season so it’s about finishing strong. I have played a lot, especially considering the injuries, and featured at 12 for Newport too so it’s been a good year for me.”
Tickets remain on sale NOW for Judgement Day 2024 - via the Cardiff City Stadium ticketing site - CLICK HERE
It’s a big occasion and hopefully we can finish the season on a good note. I’ll hopefully get lots of involvements and enjoy it...
