The Ospreys centre made his Wales debut during the 2009 tour of North America, the same summer series in which Sam Warburton and Jonathan Davies won their first caps.
But unlike the star duo now touring Australia with the British & Irish Lions, Spratt saw his career derailed by injuries.
He spent a season with London Irish before returning to the ahead of the last campaign, where he was an ever-present feature.
Following Lions call-ups for Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies, and injuries to Scott Williams and Ashley Beck the door was opened for Spratt to make his comeback.
And he will make his long-awaited return in Saturday’s clash with Japan at Kintetsu Hanazono Stadium.
“I’ve had a little sabbatical for four years,” said Spratt.
“When the opportunity arose to go back to the Ospreys last year, I jumped at the chance. It’s where I’m from and it’s where I was brought up playing rugby.
“I gained some great experience at London Irish, but there’s nothing like playing for your home region. I’ve had a good year this year with the Ospreys
“A lot of it is down to hard work, while having a run of games helps a lot. When you get a few on the bounce, it takes you forward. I’ve had a good run of games recently and I’m enjoying my rugby.
“Of course you develop over the years. You learn new things and you improve on other things.
“I think you evolve as a player the longer you play. Different aspects of your game come out. You don’t stay the same player for that amount of time. In rugby, the way the game changes, you have to adapt.”
Spratt insists not a lot has changed in the international set-up – the only thing is that he is now one of the most senior players in the squad.
At 27, he is the oldest member of the Welsh back line and only back rowers Andrew Coombs and Rob McCusker are senior to him age-wise in the starting line-up.
“Not a lot has changed,” said Spratt.
“We’ve got a lot of young boys coming through now, which is not too dissimilar to where it was four years ago.
“There’s a lot of experience in the coaching staff and it’s been a really enjoyable experience so far.
“It’s tough to lose boys of the experience of Scott and Ashley, who have been playing well for their regions, but it gives other boys the opportunity to come in and fill the spots.
“I’m one of the older heads now, which makes a change.
“I wouldn’t see myself as an old head normally, but it’s nice to help out the young boys in certain aspects and do what I can in that sense.
“That’s the idea of this tour, to develop those boys, and for myself I get a chance to play international rugby again. It’s been a while.
“A lot of the boys will come off this tour and take a lot off it. The same as me. I’m still learning in that sense and there are certain aspects of my game I’m looking to improve and it’s a great opportunity for me to do it now out here.
“That goes for a lot of the boys here. They’ve had chance at regional, some at other levels, and it’s chance for them to prove what they can do on the international level.
“They are young and looking to improve themselves. It’s a great opportunity.”
The two-Test tour of Japan is providing a new experience in both experience and climate for Wales’ rookie squad.
They have been training in temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius, combined with sky-high humidity.
Spratt is enjoying the change of culture but he expects a formidable challenge in Saturday’s encounter.
“It’s fantastic,” added Spratt. “It’s a nice opportunity to come away to these places. Japan is a completely different culture. You are out of your comfort zone.
“It’s different, but it’s different in a good way. If you go to some other places on tour, it’s very similar to the western world.
“The culture out here is completely different to what the boys are used to back home.
“The street signs take a bit of working out! I’m not really finding my way round at all. You tend to just go with it and amble round more than anything.
“The heat is the other big thing, but we are adapting to that as the days go on. It is going to be difficult for us, but it’s a challenge the boys are looking forward.”
