Back row rising star Taine Basham has pinpointed the guidance of boss Dean Ryan as crucial during his huge breakthrough season at Dragons.
Basham, 20, has enjoyed a sensational campaign for the region, scoring eight tries in 17 games before catching the eye of the Wales set-up.
The Talywain-born forward was called into the international set-up for the uncapped Barbarians fixture in November and yet again in the Guinness Six Nations.
Basham deservedly won the praise of Director of Dragons Rugby Ryan – yet, at the same time, the region’s boss has ensured the Dragons Academy product has stayed level-headed and aimed higher.
And Basham admitted an early season talk from Ryan and General Manager James Chapron after a string of yellow cards helped fire his stunning campaign.
“I actually got pulled into see him at the start of the season along with Chappy. I would liken it to getting called into the headmaster’s office,” admitted Basham.
“It was after I’d got two or three yellow cards early on and they wanted to talk about my performances. It was the talk I needed at the time.
“Dean is looking to evolve the region and is big on giving youngsters the chance - if they are good enough and have earned that opportunity.
“He can be brutally honest and that is a good thing. I like that direct approach and he has kept all our feet on the ground.
“When we talked at the start of the season we spoke about getting my game going, what I needed to improve. Dean said to me about not just being part of the journey, I needed to push on and really put my hand up.
“Recently he spoke to me about being between camps, with Dragons and then Wales, and coming back into the PRO14 and making an impression. He understands and it’s been great to work with him.”
Basham started the season eager to feature in a talented back row.
And after making 14 appearances in the previous two seasons, he has come to the fore in eye-catching fashion.
“The season going so well for me was unexpected really, but it has been great,” he said.
“It’s all been a learning experience, getting called up by Wales was a huge positive and at Dragons we’ve showed we have a competitive side.
“I wanted to make a decent start to the season, particularly after a finger injury ended the previous year early.
“I think I ended up getting three yellow cards in three games, so it didn’t all go to plan, before I got my first start away at Zebre. I kicked on from there.
“The Castres game was special. It was great to get a hat-trick in front of the home fans and Wales coaches. I didn’t even know they were there.
“The European season has been good for us. We still hope to play a quarter-final with Bristol.
“The Cheetahs game is another that really stands out, when I felt I played okay in pretty horrible conditions.”
Basham now finds himself, like his team-mates, training on his own with the Guinness PRO14 season suspended indefinitely due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
However, he remains upbeat about the future and for now has plenty of time to contemplate what he has achieved over the last 12 months from his makeshift gym.
“My dad had gym stuff in his attic and we’ve got a bit of 4G grass down the bottom of the garden so I have been able to train down there with my brother,” he said.
“I also live near an old quarry and pit mine so I can go for a run around it and not get bothered or see anyone. The Dragons have also given us equipment so we can keep training.
“It’s all about adapting to the situation we’re all in. Ryan Harris, who heads up our S&C, has given us all plans and we are monitored constantly.
“Nobody knows when this will end so we stick to the guidelines and stay safe. That is all any of us can do.”
Dean said to me about not just being part of the journey, I needed to push on and really put my hand up...
