Very few rugby journeys are straight forward with several twists and turns expected along the way.
Prop Owain James’ story is no different.
After missing out on selection for the first two games of this years’ Under 20 Six Nations, the tighthead is on the bench for Wales’ first home game of the Championship as they host Ireland at Rodney Parade.
“The boys are feeling confident in terms knowing that we found a way to win against Italy,” said James.
“Obviously it wasn't pretty and there are things to work on, but especially in the forward pack, we've taken a lot of confidence from our first two performances.
“In training we’re competing really hard with each other and we’re really looking to rip in on Friday.”
They’ll do so in front of a “great crowd”, under the lights at Rodney Parade, only the second time James has played there following starting for Dragons A against Scarlets in November.
“Dragons A was my first taste of playing at Rodney Parade and I really enjoyed it,” said James.
“It was fun playing with boys from the Academy because you'd spend every day with each other, but you only really trained together.
“It was quite nice to have those A games just to have some fun and play with friends and get an opportunity to play on Rodney as well.”
James joined the Dragons Academy set up last summer more than a decade after he started his rugby journey.
“I started playing when I was six in Pontypridd RFC,” recalled James.
“My club Ynysybwl didn't have any age groups really, so I started at Pontypridd along with my brothers, playing minis and juniors there plus playing a bit for Llantrisant minis as well.”
James continued onto youth at Rhydfelin RFC, alongside playing for Cardiff and Vale College in the schools league.
Through his performances there he earnt a place in Cardiff under 18s’ team but he wasn’t offered an Academy contract straight after school.
James decided to “take an opportunity” in Brecon, playing in the championship under the tutelage of Pontypridd legend Dale McIntosh or ‘Chief’ as he is known.
“Brecon was an eye opener to the sort of things you don't see, it was good to get some experience up there playing senior rugby in physical games,” said James.
“It was good to learn things you can’t learn through teaching, just getting thrown in and finding out ways to cope with a fair few older heads wanting to do you in but that’s why I went up there.
“Chief was brilliant for me in terms of a really good coach but also very good man manager as well
“He’s mentored plenty of young props like myself, so it was really, really enjoyable.
“I find he gets the best out of his players and he was really good for me.”
Towards the end of that year, James received an offer from Dragons to join the Academy which led to further senior rugby, this time in Super Rygbi Cymru with Pontypool.
“There’s a really strong link between Pontypool and the Dragons with Tom Hancock being head coach and it’s been a massive help,” said James.
“Pontypool is a great club and a lot of people really help me like Kelvyn Williams who’s been a big help.
“He’s the scrum coach as well as a player and he’s been great for me, learning things you don’t get taught in professional environments.
“Ceri Jones and Sam Hobbs have been helping me a lot at the Dragons but then going up to Pooler and having different perspectives has been really good for me.”
Having been selected in the 23 for Friday night, James will now get his chance to showcase what he has learnt from all those experiences when he goes head-to-head with Ireland’s pack at Rodney Parade.
Wales will be looking for back-to-back Six Nations wins for the first time since 2020 and a first victory against Ireland in seven years.
Book your place to cheer on Owain and the team by clicking on the link below.
Wales U20 home fixtures for U20 Six Nations 2025
- Wales U20 v Ireland U20, Rodney Parade, Friday 21st February 2025, 7.45pm
- Wales U20 v England U20, Cardiff Arms Park, Friday 14th March 2025, 7.30pm
Tickets are from £12 for Adults and £6 for U18s and concessions - CLICK HERE TO BUY
learn things you can’t learn through teaching, just getting thrown in and finding out ways to cope with a fair few older heads wanting to do you in...
