The Scarlets hooker has become a mainstay in Warren Gatland’s side over the last three seasons but is being put under pressure by promising youngsters Elliott Dee and Ryan Elias. Both Dee and Elias were outstanding in Wales’ recent victories against South Africa and Argentina respectively but Owens is confident of retaining his place in the starting XV this season.
“It is good for Welsh ruby to have that level of competition,” he said.
“You look at the most successful sides they have competition for every place in the squad. I think we are in a place in Wales now where we are at that level.
“I still back my ability, Elliott (Dee) was great on tour and Ryan (Elias) has been absolutely great for the Scarlets and when he got his opportunity with Wales in the summer. That is what you want, you want competition for places because it draws the best out of you as a player.
“I am just looking forward to hopefully getting a chance early in the season and show I am not over the hill as a lot of people would like to say.” But before thinking about his international ambitions Owens is fully focused on being part of another successful season with the Scarlets.
The west walians may have lost some key players such as Scott Williams, Tadhg Beirne and John Barclay but Owens is confident their replacements will be just as good if not better.
“It is a fact of life you lose players for different reasons,” he said.
“That is the pro game, but I think we have recruited really well and brought some good experience in. Sam Hidalgo-Clyne has come down from Edinburgh, Uzair Casseim and Clayton Blommetjies from the Cheetahs and Blade Thomson from the Hurricanes.
“They have all brought different experiences with them and they have all fitted in brilliantly. It is sad to see the boys who have left leave, but that is the game and you have to move on.
“Ed Kennedy’s has also come in who is a new fresh face and who has an opportunity. They are all ready to go.”
