Wales U20s hooker Tom Howe is set to break into senior rugby after receiving his A-Level results this month. The 18-year-old, who sat exams in biology, psychology and PE, has long been earmarked for a bright future in the Welsh game.
High Praise from Former Wales Hooker
Former Wales hooker Scott Baldwin recently said Howe has "the highest of ceilings I've seen of a hooker coming through in Wales." Baldwin added, "I'd put him in the same category as Dewi Lake, but he's probably further down the line in his development as a hooker for his age profile because he is in his first year with the Under-20s."
Baldwin also revealed that Howe is already on the radar of the Wales senior coaching staff, noting, "I know from speaking to Steve Tandy that he's already in their thoughts for 12 to 18 months' time."
Rapid Rise from Schoolboy Rugby
Howe's rise has been remarkably fast. Last December, he missed his school's cup final victory at the Principality Stadium to play for Wales U20s. This summer, he started in four matches at the Junior World Championship, helping Wales finish sixth.
Having already trained with the senior side at Cardiff, Howe could soon be pushing Liam Belcher, Evan Lloyd and Dafydd Hughes for a place at the Arms Park. Even if Cardiff head coach Corniel van Zyl prefers not to rush the young man from Llanishen, a senior debut seems likely in the coming months.
Howe Stays Grounded
Despite the hype, Howe remains level-headed. Speaking to BBC Sport about training with Cardiff's senior side, he said, "It was great to get an insight into what I need to improve and to learn professional habits off the other boys. It was really helpful and I can't wait to get straight back into it. I'm working towards a debut but I'm not sure when that will come. I won't hold my breath, I'll just keep working hard and stay committed because I've got enough time. There's no rush."
On the hype surrounding him, Howe added, "You're only as good as your last game and you have to keep working hard. It has happened so many times, players have been built up and nothing comes of it. My parents have made sure to tell me to stay humble and treat everybody the way that you would like to be treated. You meet the same people on the way up as you do on the way down, so stay humble and stay committed to the craft, I guess."
