The World Rugby U20 Championship kicks off this weekend, with attention turning to the next generation of international stars. While traditional powerhouses like New Zealand, South Africa, and England boast deep talent pools, Wales may have a prospect equally exciting: 18-year-old hooker Tom Howe.
Howe's Rise Through the Ranks
Howe emerged as a standout performer in this year's U20 Six Nations, playing a couple of age groups up. His performances have drawn high praise, including from former Wales hooker Scott Baldwin, who posted on social media: "Tom Howe to play for Wales within three years."
Howe converted from backrower to hooker at age 14-15 on his school teacher's advice. "It was a tough transition at the start," he told WalesOnline. "I was struggling a bit, thinking is this really going to work for me... but I stuck at it and it seems to be paying off."
Unique Skill Set
Howe possesses core hooker attributes: power in the scrum, reliability at the lineout, and relentless physicality in open play. But he is also described as a "unique" and "outstanding" talent by Llywarch ap Myrddin, director of rugby at Ysgol Glantaf, capable of moments beyond most peers.
"When I was growing up my dad was a big rugby fan and he'd always tell me to look at certain players," Howe said. "Look at Jonah Lomu, Keith Wood, Ardie Savea. They all play an open style of rugby... That is something that I'm trying to carry into my game more."
Commitment to Cardiff
Despite interest from English clubs, Howe remains committed to Cardiff. "For me right now, staying in Cardiff is the best decision," he said. "I've got my family around me and I've got my friends around me. I'm still young so there's enough time for that in the future."
He is a member of Cardiff Rugby's senior academy and trains with the senior squad, picking up habits from players like Liam Belcher.
U20 Championship Ambitions
Wales U20s are drawn in a tough pool with hosts Georgia and defending champions South Africa. Wales senior coach Steve Tandy addressed the squad, telling them "there's no reason why we shouldn't be competing," according to Howe.
"We have the talent and we have the quality in the room," Howe said. "It is about having that mindset now and really turning the screw on teams. We need to believe in ourselves that we can compete."
Howe's immediate goal is a strong campaign this summer, building on promising Six Nations performances where Wales led against England and France. The rugby world is about to see why Welsh rugby is so excited about this young hooker.
