WINGER Tom Rogers is all set to become the first Cefneithin RFC product to win a senior Wales cap since the great Barry John.
The 22 year-old is named in the starting line-up to face Canada on Saturday – and a bus-load from his old club will be there to support him.
The lifting of some Covid-19 restrictions means 8,200 fans will be allowed to watch Wales play for the first time since the 2020 Six Nations.
And the Scarlets flyer, a former pupil at Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth, says he is delighted his family and friends can be there to support him.
“There is a bus full of my mates from our club Cefneithin coming up to watch on Saturday so they’ll be making a lot of noise," said Rogers.
“Playing for Wales has always been a goal of mine since I was a kid, but I never thought it would come so soon, it’s come quite quickly.
"I am just honoured to be in the team, it will be amazing to have a bit of noise and I’ll try and relax and cherish every moment on the pitch."
He added: "I phoned my mother and father when I made the squad, they have have been with me from the start and they were very emotional.
“They’ve taken me everywhere and given me everything I needed, and they’ll be the first in the stadium this weekend, I can guarantee that.”
Rogers has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at the Scarlets, having used the Covid-enforced lockdown wisely by building a gym at his home.
His highlight was scoring a stunning individual try against Connacht, to help his side secure Champions Cup qualification for next season.
"I didn’t expect to be here to be honest, because there is a lot of competition," said Rogers on hearing he would be starting for Wales.
"I have learnt a lot in the last few days from other players, and I’m over the moon and just looking forward to getting on to the pitch now."
Wales have named five uncapped players in their squad to take on Canada on Saturday, ahead of their double-header against Argentina.
Rogers and Ben Carter both start at the Principality Stadium, while Gareth Thomas, Taine Basham and Ben Thomas will be on the bench.
Meanwhile, Leigh Halfpenny will win his 96th Wales cap, taking the full-back to a century, with his British & Irish Lions Test appearances.
The Wales team to face Canada on Saturday:
Wales: Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets); Jonah Holmes (Dragons), Willis Halaholo (Cardiff Rugby), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Tom Rogers (Scarlets); Callum Sheedy (Bristol Bears), Tomos Williams (Cardiff Rugby); Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Elliot Dee (Dragons), Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Rugby), Ben Carter (Dragons), Will Rowlands (Dragons), Ross Moriarty (Dragons), James Botham (Cardiff Rugby), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons).
Replacements: Ryan Elias (Scarlets), Gareth Thomas (Ospreys), Leon Brown (Dragons), Josh Turnbull (Cardiff Rugby), Taine Basham (Dragons), Kieran Hardy (Scarlets), Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby), Nick Tompkins (Saracens).
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