He’s set to make his Ospreys debut off the bench against Glasgow Warriors tomorrow evening, so we caught up with Cwmafan RFC youngster, Rhys Henry to hear his views.
“I’m very excited to make my debut for the Ospreys this weekend. It’s been a difficult season and there hasn’t been too many opportunities to play because of the Covid situation but it’s great to finally get that chance.”
The homegrown talent has worked his way through the Ospreys Player Pathway Programme and is another youngster to be handed the opportunity by Head Coach Toby Booth.
“I started my rugby at Cwmafan and played there right up until youth. I then went onto play for Aberavon Schools and Dyffryn School before linking up with Neath and Port Talbot College and into the Ospreys academy.”
Rhys played for the Ospreys U16s, U18s and the development team where he went onto join the senior Ospreys Academy and make his debut for Aberavon RFC in the Welsh Premiership. He then went onto feature for Wales U20s.
During his time in the Ospreys academy and in college, Rhys was coached by Ospreys First Team Coach, Duncan Jones:
“Duncan has been great with me and coached me all the way through college, through the age-grade system and now at senior level. He’s spent a lot of time and put a lot of effort into me which I’m very grateful for. He’s worked me really hard and helped me develop.
"Now with Toby coming in and having both him and Duncan to learn from has been hugely beneficial. I always know where I stand and what I need to do to improve, to develop and get my hands on those opportunities.
“As well as the coaches, I have a great group of boys around me including Ma’afu, Tom and Nicky who are always a big help. Nothing is ever a trouble for them if I go to them and ask for advice in my game. For me now it’s about kicking on, realising my strengths and my points of difference and just keep developing and showcasing what I can do.”
Looking ahead to Friday night's game, Henry said:
“Glasgow are a team who like to have the ball, so defensively we know we have to be sharp and ready to meet them physically. When we get our chances with the ball we know we have to execute things well and finish off those opportunities which we know we can do and have done this season.”