Emergence into the senior Wales squad has come quickly for the young winger but for now, a first senior trophy is up for grabs if the Welsh All Blacks can beat current Principality Premiership champions Pontypridd.
“We realise how tough it’s going to be, Pontypridd have been by far the most consistent and best team in the Premiership, not just this season but over the last two years,” said Neath coach Pat Horgan.
“However, we’re in with a chance and as long as that’s the case we will give it our best shot. We have some experience within our side and we’ll be looking for those players to put in a good performance – along with some younger but key players for us such as Dafydd Howells, Luc Jones and Dai Langdon.”
Horgan knows Howells well, giving him his Premiership debut in the Welsh All Blacks’ Boxing Day victory over Aberavon as a 17 year old and he believes he fully deserves his place in McBryde’s squad.
“Daf’s talent sticks out like a sore thumb whenever he plays. I’m delighted for him and delighted that people have identified his talent and potential,” said the former Neath scrum half.
“He has everything you could ask for in a back three player – he’s quick, powerful and has a good kicking game. He’s generally a very talented, all round rugby player.”
Horgan was Wales Under 20 head coach in 2008 when the likes of Sam Warburton, Leigh Halfpenny, Jonathan Davies and Dan Biggar helped the side reach the semi-finals of the inaugural Junior World Championship, held in Wales.
He added: “You could see then that half a dozen of the side would make it as full internationals, and you can say the same about Dafydd. I would say he is every bit the player Leigh Halfpenny was during that tournament five years ago.”
With 15 Welsh players travelling with the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia this summer, Robin McBryde has picked a youthful side for the two match trip to Japan.
The youngest of which is Howells, who highlights the progression of Welsh players through the pathway system.
“Dafydd highlights the importance of having a good structure in place,” said McBryde at today’s squad announcement.
“Shaun Edwards went out to Grenoble with the Wales Under 18 squad and called me about Dafydd’s performances.
“It’s not often Shaun rings you out of the blue. He said: ‘There’s a kid here with something special about him. Even if he doesn’t go on tour, I think he warrants inclusion in the extended squad.’”
Howells has played senior regional rugby this season, featuring for the Ospreys in the LV = Cup. He has though, played most of his recent rugby for Neath in the Principality Premiership.
“It’s all positive on Dafydd Howells, he’s one to watch for the future,” said McBryde.
“Hopefully he will benefit from this experience, whether he goes on tour or not.”
Tickets for Saturday’s SWALEC Finals Day are £10 for adults, £5 for Under 16s with a family ticket for 2 adults, 2 children available at £20.
Before the Cup final at 5.30pm, Rhydyfelin take on Heol y Cyw at 3.15 in the SWALEC Plate Final, while Wattstown play Fishguard & Goodwick at 1pm to kick off proceedings.
There will be something for all the family on the day with pre-match entertainment, autograph signing with four of Wales’ Lions squad members, photo opportunities with the RBS 6 Nations trophy and a kids zone with face painting, mask making and balloon art and more.
Tickets available from www.wru.co.uk/tickets; by calling Ticketmaster on 08442 777 888; from Ticketline, Westgate Street Cardiff tel 02920 230130; from the WRU store, 47 Westgate Street, Cardiff and from the finalist clubs.
