Lock Ed Scragg admits at 6ft 7in tall he towers over many of his Academy team-mates – but the Dragons prospect has plenty of players to look up to as he aims to hit the heights at the World Junior Under-20s Championships.
Scragg, originally from Westbury near Bath, admits the opportunity to play at the showpiece tournament in Argentina for Wales Under-20s was something he never thought would happen.
The 18-year-old forward - currently studying sports management at Cardiff Met - has been involved with the Dragons set-up since being picked up playing for the Welsh Exiles at the Super Six Series at Cardiff Arms Park.
And after a whirlwind season, that saw him also feature in the Six Nations, the big second row is gearing up for a big trip to South America.
“The call-up did take a while to sink in because it was something that I never thought would happen and I never even gave it much thought,” said Scragg, who qualifies for Wales through his mother’s side who have Neath roots.
“But it’s a proud moment for me because I didn’t think it would happen this year – I was aiming for next year.
“It’s a first trip to Argentina so I am really looking forward to it,” he added.
“My goals at the start of the season were certainly different and Wales Under-20s wasn’t a realistic goal for me back then, let alone the World Cup.
“Getting involved with the Six Nations was beyond my expectations and the World Cup is even further beyond. I’m buzzling to get into it and I’m training hard at the camps before.”
Scragg spent his youth as a Season Ticket holder at Bath and looking up to inspirational figures like Dave Attwood.
And now involved in the Dragons set-up, he admits there are plenty if players to aspire to in the reginal and national game.
“At Dragons you have players like Cory Hill to look up to who is heavily involved with the senior squad,” said Scragg, who was a try scorer in the Six Nations victory over Italy earlier this year.
“I watch the Wales seniors too and players like Alun Wyn Jones who stands out.”
As for Wales hopes in the Junior World Championships, Scragg is optimistic that Wales Under-20s can enjoy a strong tournament.
He said: “Our ambition going into this tournament is to top our pool.
“We’ve got Argentina, Fiji and France in there with us and we’ve already played France this year in the Six Nations.
“The coaches believe we have the quality to place quite high, but we’re just going to take each game as it comes and see what happens. I’m looking forward to being involved and away with the boys.”
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“My goals at the start of the season were certainly different and Wales Under-20s wasn’t a realistic goal for me back then, let alone the World Cup...
