The latest in our series of Wales U20s player profiles is scrum-half Carter Pritchard who is amongst the replacements to face Italy at Rodney Parade on Sunday.
A product of Caerphilly RFC, Pritchard has already represented Ebbw Vale and Newport this season, scoring on his debut off the bench for the Black and Ambers.
As a youngster, Pritchard spent much of his childhood watching his dad Grant representing his hometown club down at Virginia Park.
“Caerphilly is where I grew up, lived there my whole life,” said Pritchard.
“I got into rugby through my dad, watching him play on the sideline a few times and then he got into coaching and I just wanted to follow in his footsteps really.”
Pritchard joked: “My dad always told me to be as loud as I can, I know I’m faster than him and he won’t be happy with me saying that."
“I took lots of learnings from him, constantly down at the pitch, passing and kicking with him.”
Pritchard represented Dragons at U18s level and is now a member of the Academy, scoring a try in the pre-season friendly against Cross Keys.
Joining the Academy has allowed the scrum-half to focus on rugby full time following school and college along with working as an apprentice to his father.
“I wasn’t really a big fan of college but luckily enough I got into Cardiff and the Vale to do my apprenticeship,” said Pritchard.
“I managed to play rugby alongside that which was really good and I was doing air conditioning, so a different life to rugby as well and it was nice to mix things up really.
“Eight hours a day, also working with my dad and he was managing to get me out of work early to go to rugby.
“It was a bit hard managing both so I just decided to go with rugby full time.”
Super Rygbi Cymru has been a rich breeding ground for talent in recent years and Pritchard has enjoyed the benefits, representing both highflying Ebbw Vale and Newport sides this season.
“The SRC has been good, I’ve had a few minutes in the bag so far,” said Pritchard.
“It’s been tough to get into the sides but when I’ve had the chance, I’ve tried to take it with both hands.
“My debut for Newport was a close game with Cardiff and a difficult game to come on in the last ten minutes.
"I was lucky enough to put a nice kick up in the air, get the ball back and score by the posts which was a good day for me and Newport as well.
“It’s been a great experience playing for Ebbw and Newport, different types of teams, different styles of rugby as well.”
At 19-years-old, Pritchard still has another year at U20s level but is enjoying the experience so far.
With the prospect of the final Six Nations game being at Rodney Parade, the scrum-half is excited at the prospect of playing on home turf.
“It’s been good,” said Pritchard. “Lots of learning and new experiences, playing with the boys at a top level.
“It’s tough at times especially with squad selection. It’s about how you can push the team and push yourself to get in the team, I was thankful of the opportunity to play against Ireland on the weekend.
“I played at Rodney Parade before, once with Caerphilly Under 14s in the plate final there.
“I’m buzzing to be back there with the under 20s in a few weeks and we’ll hopefully get the crowd bouncing.”
Academy coach Adam Thomas said: “Carter impressed during Dragons 18, earning a Wales U18s cap and has since done really well getting two senior debuts with two SRC clubs.”
“He probably hasn’t had as much exposure as he wants as he is a games player but getting into the 20s squad shows the quality he does have.
“I thought he did well on debut for 20s against Ireland and this being his first year, hopefully it inspires him to kick on into the summer and more senior rugby next season.”
Tickets are available NOW for Wales Under-20s clash against Italy Under-20s at Rodney Parade this weekend. CLICK HERE to buy online.
