Yesterday we began our week-long look at the future Dragons within Wales Under-20's squad ahead of their game with Italy at Rodney Parade on Sunday afternoon. Today we hear from versatile forward Cerrig Smith who can play at lock as well as in the back row...
At eighteen, Smith is one of the younger members of Richard Whiffin’s Under-20s squad, however, he has already shown strong leadership qualities, captaining his country at Under-18s and Under-19s levels.
“Captaining the 19s was the proudest moment of my career so far,” said Smith.
“Also captaining the Under-18s in France last year was a huge privilege, totally unexpected, especially being one of the younger lads in the squad.
“I was over the moon to be chose as captain. It was squad selection day and I was told an hour before team selection that I'd be captain, I was speechless, it was such a privilege.
“Going back to Abercarn, it’s a massive thing for them to have that advertisement around the club.”
Smith’s pride of captaining his country is perhaps only rivalled by the delight he has in representing his hometown club Abercarn.
Born and bred in the town, Smith was first introduced to rugby at the club by his dad Roger.
“I’m an Abercarn boy through and through,” said Smith. “My dad and his friend (Kris Kinsey), set up the first minis group in the area.
“I played there from under-fives to youth level and then joined Dragons, but Abercarn will always be my club and they’ll always be close to my heart.
“My Dad was the biggest inspiration on my career, he is also my biggest critic.
“He's always complimenting me or what I can do better for the next game but he’s played the biggest part of my career.”
Despite his young years, Smith has already shown his metal in the senior game, representing Newport RFC in Super Rygbi Cymru and helping them to a memorable extra-time win over Ebbw Vale in the SRC Cup semi-final at Rodney Parade.
To the Abercarn youngster, that appearance at Rodney Parade was “a privilege” and one he hopes to replicate in the future.
To do so, he will need to learn all he can from his experiences, including at the Black and Ambers under the leadership of captain Ben Roach and head coach Ty Morris.
“Not just skills wise and player wise on the field but also leadership, Ben is a massive influence for me,” said Smith.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be brought into the leadership squad with Newport this year and he’s taken me under his wing, since the first session.
“It’s been a privilege to have someone like that above me but so many of those boys have made me feel welcome as a family, it’s more than just a rugby club. There’s no club I’d rather play for.”
Ceri Jones who has coached Smith with Dragons Under-18s as well as with Newport RFC said: “Cerrig’s dedication and leadership qualities shine through no matter what environment he goes into.
“For such a young man to come into Newport’s setup and naturally lead is very impressive.
“His knowledge of the game, the way he goes about his business, he’s just an ultimate professional and I can’t speak highly enough of him around that area of the game.
“Cerrig always knows his role, constantly delivers on what you expect him to do and is a young player with a big future.”
Tickets are available NOW for Wales Under-20s clash against Italy Under-20s at Rodney Parade this weekend. CLICK HERE to buy online.
