Head Coach Filo Tiatia has spoken of his delight over the call-up of back row dynamo Harrison Keddie by Wales this summer.
Keddie was among the six uncapped players selected by Wales head coach Steve Tandy as Wales face Fiji, Argentina, and South Africa in the inaugural Nations Championship fixtures, all after an uncapped game against the Barbarians in Twickenham at the end of June.
Back row Keddie has previously captained Wales U20s and was a member of the 2016 Six Nations Grand Slam-winning side.
And now after being a key figurehead as the Men of Gwent have enjoyed a strong season the 29-year-old has got a call-up in a 48-man extended squad.
“We’re all super proud,” said Tiatia. “When he was named, I gave Harrison the call and just congratulated him.
“It’s a similar story when I first played for the All Blacks at his age. Life happens when opportunities fall.
“He has had several injuries, but Harrison has just stayed in the fight.
“He’s an excellent player with his mentality. I've only been with Harrison for a couple of years as a coach, but he has the mentality to scrap and fight, he’s a very physical player.
“The way he trains, he leaves no stone unturned, and his leadership is growing around the things he sees. He talks calmly and demands from the group. I’m happy for him and his family.”
Tiatia also welcomed the news that prop Dillon Lewis had returned to the Wales fold after recently returning to fill fitness with the Men of Gwent.
“Dillon has worked hard, like all our tightheads, and Colesy (Chris Coleman) has missed out this time,” he said.
“Dillon has had a six-month injury, he's worked hard to get back to full fitness.
“When I first met him and recruited him, his aspirations were to play for his country again.
“We looked at just simplifying his game and making sure he nails his core roles and scrummaging.
“If you watch his games, he's also carrying the ball a little bit more than most tighthead props, so we’re happy for him.”
He’s an excellent player with his mentality. I've only been with Harrison for a couple of years as a coach, but he has the mentality to scrap and fight, he’s a very physical player...
