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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Dylan James

20-year-old player's interview captures hearts of rugby fans as he thanks Adam Jones

Twenty-year-old Harlequins front-row Fin Baxter gave a brilliant interview after his star of the match performance in the Heineken Champions Cup.

Baxter made his first-ever start for Quins against Racing 92 on Sunday, and the London-based outfit ran out 14-10 winners in the second round of the competition.

It was all smiles for Baxter in his post-match interview, and the way he conducted himself has won over the rugby community on social media.

READ MORE: Warren Gatland's Wales watch as old heads shine, Jenkins returns and next-generation talents stand out

BT Sport reporter Sonja McLaughlan explained that prior to their chat, Baxter shook her hand and introduced himself, which she explained was a unique moment.

"Not too much surprises me any more. But to have a young player shake your hand and introduce himself before an interview was novel. In a nice way. Different gravy," she wrote on Twitter.

McLaughlan began the interview by asking Baxter if he was pinching himself, having just starred against top tier French opposition in the highest level of European club rugby.

"Yeah, a little bit!" said Baxter. "It's pretty surreal, this. I'm just so happy to play at The Stoop in front of the Quins fans and it's pretty weird, this. It's quite cool!"

"You seem a little bit over-awed by all of this! Twenty years of age and you've just gone toe-to-toe against a huge Racing pack and come out on top. What was going through your mind that game?" asked McLaughlan.

"Again, grateful for Simon, grateful for Jed, Will Cohen, the scrum sessions we have at Quins are just relentless and that was why we can do stuff like that, and it's not just me within the scrum it's everyone. I just feel proud to have this (star of the match award) for the front row!" replied Baxter.

"Well said, would I describe Joe Marler as a bit of a mentor?" replied McLaughlan.

"Yeah definitely! I try and ask as many questions as I can and I get as many back, even if it's not the question I asked! But, we've got a good relationship and I can't wait for the rest of it," said Baxter.

"Adam Jones here as well, in terms of helping to develop your career. How significant has that been?" asked McLaughlan.

"Majorly. Majorly, ever since my first year when I played Racing two years ago I was a tight-head, Bomb moved me over and it has been pretty good sailing since so again, thanks to him," explained Baxter.

Welsh legend 'Bomb' signed for Harlequins in 2015, and following his retirement he moved into a full-time coaching role and has been there ever since.

You can watch the video below.

McLaughlan congratulated Baxter on his award as the Englishman thanked her with a beaming smile on his face. Fans have taken to Baxter well, and flooded the comments to pay tribute to his humble nature.

"What a lovely, well-balanced young man. It's not me it's the others. Take the credit Fin, you're superb!" said one.

"Nice interview. Clearly so happy and proud, but at the same time so humbled! Well done," said another.

"Down to earth guy and a great player to look forward to!" commented one.

"What a lovely interview from a young lad," said another.

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