Thomas William John Prydie will become Wales’ youngest international at the age of 18 years and 25 days (correct) on Saturday, 20 March, 2010, when Italy visit the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff for the final round of the 2010 RBS 6 Nations championship.
The Ospreys wing and full back was named in Warren Gatland’s original 35-man squad which first met on 25 January when Prydie was just 17 and the player, after being released back to play for both the Ospreys and Wales’ U18s team at selected intervals during the current tournament, was named as a non playing travelling reserve or ’23rd man’ for the visit to Ireland last weekend after impressing coaches in training.
“It’s a dream come true, for any youngster going out and playing rugby your ultimate dream is to play for Wales and it’s just a dream come true to be announced in the team,” said Prydie, who is a WRU Ospreys academy product who has represented Wales at Welsh Schools U16s and Wales Under 18s.
“We had training this morning at 11.00 (am), Warren called all the boys in just as they do at every session and normally I’m just at the back, not really taking any notice.
“He named the squad, my name was called out, but I didn’t really hear properly. Byrnie (Lee Byrne) was stamping on my foot and nudging me and I didn’t really know what he was doing and he told me I was playing on the right wing.
“I couldn’t really believe it, I was shaking it was such a shock. All the boys came up with handshakes, patted me on the back and were really supportive. I’ve made some good friends on this campaign.
“It’s gone a bit quick this year, from my 17th to 18th birthday I’m flying. I signed a contract with the Ospreys, now selected in Welsh squad and now playing on the weekend it’s flown by, I’d have thought the next step was the U20s after this.”
Prydie has played U16s and U18s rugby but has not featured at U20 level before making the jump to the senior squad.
He made his first appearance for the Ospreys region during their Heineken Cup visit to Viadana earlier this year and has also represented Swansea in the Welsh premiership.
He is a former student of Porthcawl Comprehensive School, where he studied Business, Information Technology, PE and the Welsh Baccalaureate course and he is the first in his family to take up professional rugby although his father Nigel and mother Paula take a keen interest in their son’s career.
He is also a keen golfer who plays off a handicap of 12 and represented both Glamorgan County and Wales at under 14 level and he lists rugby heroes amongst Brian O’Driscoll and Shane Williams.
“Since I was a kid always wanted to play for Wales as any kid does,” added Prydie.
“I’ve grown up watching players like Shane, Stephen Jones and James Hook.
“I remember watching them in the last Grand Slam and in 2005, the boys have been joking I was about 7 (years old) I think watching Stephen Jones and Martyn and players like that, amazing to think.
“I rang my dad straight after selection, who was speechless and really chuffed for me as all my other family are, I also rang a couple of mates who could not quite believe it.
“Being with players of this calibre, professionals like these, you pick up lots of little things and tips on the field.
“Shaun and Warren, Rob Howley and Jenks are all world class coaches and it’s been really good training with them
“After today I’ll try and keep my head down until the end of the week and focus on the game and knowing my roles and get used to it, get myself up to scratch with everything and hope it goes well, but its only my first cap.
“I spoke to Ryan Jones, he just said be yourself don’t try and force things and if it comes it comes, so I’ll do that and just try and play my own game.”
Gatland today revealed the Bridgend-born player is the fastest in the current Wales squad and says he has selected Prydie with one eye on the future:
“We heard some good things about him from his Region and from the coaches at under 18 level and he has lived up to that,” said Gatland.
“We are not sure if Leigh Halfpenny is going to be able to tour this summer (he may need an operation) and we also need to look at our options for the future and find someone to push the incumbents for the World Cup.
“There are one or two players out at the Regions who will also be on the radar but this is a great opportunity for Tom.
“He is the fastest player in the squad, he can play at full back as well as on the wing and he is not afraid to tackle so we’ll see how he goes.”
