Now he is ready to take on the world in South America, although it won’t be the only thing he has on his mind. As well as brushing up on his opponents, the 18-year-old Owen will also be burying his head in school books as he prepares for his final three exams in Argentina.
“I had three exams before coming out to Argentina and I’ve got three more to do while I’m here – two maths and one history,” said Owen.
“I’ve brought my school books with me and I know I’ve got to get my revision right or the results I need won’t follow. One of the exams is three hours long and the other two are an hour and a half.
“I’ve got to take them at the same time as everyone back at school so there can’t be any cheeky texting. I’m hoping for three Bs in Maths, History and PE and I have to get two Bs and a C to get into Cardiff Met University.
“I’m hoping to go there to study sports performance analysis and follow in the footsteps of Max Llewellyn and Aaron Wainwright. I’ll still be attached to the Dragons if I go there, but they have a very good relationship with the university and it just seems like a win-win situation for me.
“I am going to fully commit to my rugby, but I need a back-up plan just in case I get injured or don’t make it. It is also nice to have something else to focus on and take your mind off rugby.”
Owen could well team up with Llewellyn at centre during the course of the tournament in Argentina, although the rising star of the Ospreys, Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler, is also in the equation.
Wales kick-off their competition against the host nation and then face France and Fiji.
“Everything is gathering momentum in my career and I’m really happy with the way things are going. I’ve come up with a great group from the Under 18s,” added Owen.
“It has been a smooth step-up for me to the Under 20s this season and a great learning curve. I’ve really enjoyed it, although I realise I have to keep on trying to improve or I risk being left behind.
“The last year has been a massive learning curve stepping into senior rugby and working with different coaches at Ebbw Vale and the Dragons. I just want to keep on improving as a person and as a player.
“My next step is to try to play for the Dragons and keep on moving up the levels. I want to make the step up to professional rugby and try to become a regular at regional level.
“What I’ve done so far has been great, but it won’t count for anything if I can’t make the next step. That’s why I’m looking forward to testing myself against the best young players in the world out in Argentina.”
Owen learned his rugby just behind Lennon Greggains at Newport HSOB. Both of them will be teaming up again at the World Cup, with Greggains travelljng as one of the senior players in the Welsh squad.
“I started at Under 7 at Newport HSOB when my Dad took me there. I didn’t fall in love with the game to begin with, but I persisted and I did in the end,” said Owen.
“Lennon was two years above me, but we played in the same Youth team. It was a great club to learn at and it is all due to them that I am out here now.”
