Exeter ahead Dafydd Jenkins will obtain one other milestone second when he makes his first Rugby World Cup begin in Saturday’s conflict in opposition to Portugal.
The 20-year-old lock has made speedy strides throughout a global profession that solely started final season with a Test debut in opposition to autumn opponents Georgia.
Having already captained the Chiefs in a Gallagher Premiership recreation, Jenkins shortly grew to become an necessary a part of Wales squads below head coach Warren Gatland.
And he was within the thick of it throughout his 22 minutes off the bench in Wales’ gripping 32-26 victory over opening Pool C opponents Fiji final weekend.
It proved an enormous defensive rearguard from Gatland’s workforce as Fiji pushed for an unlikely win from 18 factors adrift.
“It is a privilege to be with the group,” Jenkins stated.
“I just want to try and leave the 20-year-old younger version of myself behind and push on forward, be a more experienced player at this level and competing hard.”
Jenkins’ father Hywel, a back-row ahead for Swansea and Neath, went near full worldwide honours, representing Wales A after which Wales in an uncapped recreation in opposition to the United States.
And Jenkins’ rugby apprenticeship continued at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire, a famend academy for the game with a formidable record of previous college students that additionally consists of Louis Rees-Zammit, Ellis Genge and Jonny May.
Exeter boss Rob Baxter contacted Jenkins throughout his time at Hartpury, and a transfer to Sandy Park adopted in 2021, the place he shortly broke into Chiefs’ Champions Cup and Premiership groups.
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At 6ft 7in and round 18 stone, he has made his presence felt, however he’s additionally performing an necessary off-field function throughout his first World Cup.
As Wales’ youngest squad member, he’s entrusted with carrying a large carved lovespoon – a conventional Welsh image of affection and affection – at main occasions in the course of the event.
Prop Rhys Carre carried out these duties 4 years in the past in Japan, and former Dragons centre Tyler Morgan on the 2015 World Cup in England.
“I haven’t lost it yet which is good,” Jenkins added. “A few boys are definitely eyeing it up, so I have to keep it away from them.
“It was really special (in Bordeaux for the Fiji game). The crowd was amazing, a different experience to what I have had before.
“We saw videos before the game from Bordeaux of Welsh fans singing in the town. It was more the atmosphere that was a bit different.”
