Scrum half Che Hope is hoping for a return for Wales Under-20s this week – after his unforgettable debut was cut short by one of his own team-mates!
The Dragons scrum half was picked to start in the opening Six Nations Under-20 Summer Series clash against Scotland in Treviso.
But the 19-year-old lasted only 10 minutes of the 45-15 win before he had to give way to one of his closest friends and club teammates, Morgan Lloyd.
“I went in for a tackle and so did Christ Tshuinza at the same time. His arm came around and unfortunately caught me flush in the face,” said Hope.
“It was a complete accident, but I was in a bit of a daze for a few moments. I had to come off and that allowed Morgan to come on earlier than expected.
“I’ve been following the back to play protocols and feel fine. I’m hoping to be cleared to play for the final round of matches.
“It was great to get on the field and win my first cap, although the heat and humidity were difficult to handle. It was around 32 degrees and made life really tough for all the players.
“I had never experienced conditions like that before and we were all running for the shade of the stand whenever there was a break in play. It was just as well they built in water breaks.”
The injury meant Hope sat out the second game against Georgia - Lloyd was one of three changes to the starting XV that saw off the Scots.
And Hope is full of praise for the way Lloyd performed.
“Morgan and I are good friends, neighbours, teammates at the Dragons and, of course, rivals. We’ve been playing together since we were 11 and teamed up in school, at Blackwood RFC and for Islwyn District Schools,” revealed Hope.
“In those early days Morgan was playing in the centre, but then he switched to scrum half.
“He had a very good U20 Six Nations campaign and did really well when he replaced me, scoring a try near the end.”
