If there’s been a distinguishing feature of the Toby Booth regime at the Ospreys it is the emphasis put on developing young players.
Huge efforts have gone into supporting and nurturing the likes of Dewi Lake, Morgan Morris, Rhys Davies, Harri Deaves and a whole plethora of others. The Ospreys also pride themselves on their role in helping Jac Morgan fulfil his ambition of winning a senior Wales cap.
Head coach Booth is hoping all concerned will further shine up their reputations during the coming season.
The youngster who is particularly exciting the rugby chief at the region, however, is centre Joe Hawkins after his efforts with Wales in the U20 Summer Series this summer. With locks Christ Tshiunza and Dafydd Jenkins and midfielder Mason Grady, Hawkins, who captained the young Wales team, looked a player who could go far.
“I’m always excited about young players making the step up and seeing where they go,” said Booth. “We’ve talked about loads of them before — Reuben Morgan-Williams, Dewi Lake and others.
“Everyone forgets how young Jac Morgan still is. There’s Morgan Morris and Will Griffiths, too.
“If you’re pushing me for an answer, I suppose the one who really excites me to see above all else would be Joe Hawkins — seeing how he goes at first-team and senior level.
“He captained Wales U20s very well, speaking and leading well. His performances on the pitch here when he’s been given opportunities have been good.
“Seeing him break through and become a force in that midfield would be exciting.”
What is to say? Sometimes challenges can prove too much for young people. Like when Del sent Rodney out to sell gas conversion kits on an all-electric estate. A challenge and a half, Rodney called that one in an old episode of Only Fools and Horses.
But let’s see how 20-year-old Hawkins does. His goal in the coming months will be to kick on.
The brilliance of South Africa’s centres in the Summer Series final underlined the sky-scraping standards some of his age-grade rivals are already setting.
But he is a player with a lot of potential himself. Not only does the inside centre have a kicking game, he can also pass sweetly and carry strongly. And the powerfully built Hawkins should also develop as a sound defensive player. He is also a leader who has already shown an ability to perform in adversity.
The Ospreys won’t rush him: There’s hardly a need with Owen Watkin, George North and Michael Collins as midfield options, along with the likes of Keiran Williams, Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler and Osian Knott.
All the coaches at the region will know the development process can take time. But the signs are encouraging that the lad who had spells at Neath Athletic and Aberavon RFC, who dabbled in rugby league with West Wales Raiders and looked up to Sonny Bill Williams as a youngster, will prove the real deal.
How he fares this season will be fascinating to see.
READ MORE:
The rugby headlines you can expect to be reading in the coming months as huge season looms
Lawrence Dallaglio and English media get excited after Welsh giant's 'coming-of-age' performance
Rugby legend reveals real reason he kept his hands in pockets when meeting the Queen
Rare footage of Phil Bennett scoring wonder try in the 1990s emerges
