We’ve heard from Blackwood and Abercarn alumni so far this week from our pieces on Wales Under-20s - now it is the turn of the Crows and Cwmbran.
That was the starting point for hooker James Talamai who signed for the Dragons last summer, returning to Wales after attending Harrow School in London.
Firsts are often memories which stick with you for life and for Talamai his first rugby session was no different.
“I remember my first session at Cwmbran RFC, I was quite excited,” said Talamai. “It would have been year three, buying my first pair of boots and I felt a bit giddy for my first session.
“My family is quite rugby heavy, I knew I was always going to play at somepoint and it was my uncle Manu Tu’ipulotu who told me to go to Cwmbran.
"I had my first session and continued with it from then.”
At Cwmbran he grew up with another Dragons Academy member in Tiehi [Tiger] Chatham and while both went different routes for secondary school the bond they grew at the King’s Head Ground remained close.
“I enjoyed it straight away,” said Talamai. “It was a good group of boys, being with them they helped me along the way.
“They made me enjoy rugby, that’s what I love about rugby is that you’re playing with your mates.
“I played there up until year six before going to boarding school and all of that was with my good mate Tiger and we kept in contact ever since.”
Talamai always planned on returning to Wales and the prospect of rejoining friend Chatham in the Dragons Academy.
“I always wanted to come back at some point and why not now,” said Talamai.
“The opportunity was there and the decision was helped by Tiger, throughout his time telling me how good it is and it was great to come back to play with him.
“I was a bit nervous coming in as I’m quite quiet anyway but a lot of the boys helped me get back into it and I feel that Dragons is a good place.”
Having represented his country at Wales U18s, U19s and now U20s levels, the next step for Talamai is to follow in the footsteps of his uncle Sione Tu’ipolotu who played for Dragons, along with Newport and Caerphilly.
“To play at Rodney Parade would be quite a big thing for me and my family,” said Talamai.
“Being from Gwent, I love the place and my uncle used to play there so Rodney is a big thing for me and my family.”
With Wales U20s’ clash against Italy now only three days away, Wales head coach Richard Whiffin will be hoping for a similar atmosphere and result to last years’ win against Ireland.
“The occasion was awesome last year,” said Whiffin.
“In terrible conditions the crowd was so loud they were the sixteenth man making those tackles for us and we bought into the crowd and they bought into us with our performance.
“We’re excited to get back there and we want to see as many faces as possible.
“It’s a nice early kick off on Mother’s Day so hopefully plenty of families can come out and support us in what will be a tough game against Italy.”
Tickets are available NOW for Wales Under-20s clash against Italy Under-20s at Rodney Parade this weekend. CLICK HERE to buy online.
Being from Gwent, I love the place and my uncle used to play there so Rodney is a big thing for me and my family...
