Ahead of making his Ospreys debut this weekend against Sale Sharks, we caught up with Harri Deaves to hear his views going into the game.
“I’m definitely excited to make my debut for the Ospreys this weekend especially during a European game. It’s something I’ve worked towards after being an Osprey fan all my life. My Dad and myself always had a plan to play for them and I’ve supported the team for as long as I can remember.
“I started my rugby journey at Pontyclun RFC and I fell in love with the club. I am Pontyclun through and through, but I did leave as a teenager to play for Pontypridd and was involved with Ponty schools Under-11s and Under-15s. Originally I was a full back, centre or wing and I went back to Pontyclun to play Under-16s and that was where I really fell in love with rugby, and it was one of the best years of my life. That was when I moved to playing seven.
“After Under-15s, I didn’t get picked up and went to what they call regional ‘Mop Up’ sessions. I didn’t get picked up for that and then I went to Bridgend College and that was where the Ospreys saw me and picked me up. Literally, if I hadn’t gone there, I don’t think I would have got picked up. I went there to do Civil Engineering and after two days switched to rugby."
“I have always looked up to the likes of Justin Tipuric and it has just gone from there, really. I just like being involved in the game and at seven you are more involved. I just prefer to be involved with the action. I am still feeling my way but I am more comfortable playing there. It suits me. I seem to just know what people expect from me as a seven.
“There are players like Dan Lydiate and Lloyd Ashley, who is a massive influence, and there are some great players and great guys here. I know how lucky I am to be here, to train alongside them and it is surreal.
“I want to show what I can do, gain some trust from the coaches, show I know my role and repay the faith shown in me. I have to keep working hard, give Toby a reason to have confidence in what I can do for the team. Hopefully I can make a big impact this weekend and kick on from there.”