Wales were playing Ireland in a Six Nations match rearranged that year because of the foot and mouth crisis. Young’s father Dai Young won his 50th Wales cap that October day.
Thomas, who was nine at the time, along with his two brothers Owen, and Lewis were the mascots for the game.
Now 20 years on, the Wasps and soon-to-be Cardiff openside flanker will win his fourth cap as he plays his first ever game at the Principality Stadium against Fiji this Sunday.
“I have been a mascot there on my dad’s 50th,” he said.
“I remember the noise running out. Everyone says how good it is to play there. That sticks in the memory for sure, just how noisy it was.
“I was about nine, I think. That’s probably my earliest memory. I have obviously been to the stadium to watch games, but I’ve never played there.
“I think I trained on the pitch once, maybe. I have never played there, not even at club level.
“My cousin has played there more than me and he doesn’t let me live that down. So hopefully this weekend he can stop talking about it!”
Fiji will be Young’s first Wales appearance since facing Italy in the 2019 Six Nations, with the 29-year-old having been plying his trade with Wasps in the Gallagher Premiership.
But Wales head coach Wayne Pivac was given special dispensation to select Young in his autumn squad after the openside flanker had put pen to paper on a deal to join his father at Cardiff Rugby.
“Over the last eight or nine years where I have been at Wasps, I’ve been constantly learning with that league and how tough it is,” Young said.
“I have been fortunate to play with players from all around the world and pick up bits and bobs from them. It’s definitely benefited me.
“I think I am at a stage where if I didn’t decide to come back, it would be a missed opportunity I think.
“It’s about having no regrets, I suppose. Everyone says it, but everyone wants to play for their country growing up.
“I knew I couldn’t do that staying in England. I’m not stupid. I know the calibre of players that are in Wales and the competition, especially in the back row.
“A month ago, I didn’t think this was on the cards so I suppose it’s up to me now to try and take my opportunity. I am over the moon, if I am honest.
“Like I say, a month ago I wouldn’t have expected this to happen. I am really excited about it and I just want to make sure I take the opportunity as best I can.”
Young will form one part of an exciting back-row trio this weekend with captain Ellis Jenkins and Taine Basham, two players who have excelled this autumn.
And he insists he will put his best foot forward against a dangerous Fiji side this Sunday.
“The plusses are that we are all capable of playing with the ball in hand and turning ball over,” he said.
“We are aware of what Fiji bring and physicality-wise we are going to have to match them, but obviously we need to try and take our game to them.
“I’ve been fortunate to play quite regularly at Wasps. It’s just a case of go out and do what you do at club level and hopefully try and transfer that to the international set-up.
“Wayne Pivac hasn’t put too much pressure on me at all. He has basically just said go out and enjoy it and do what you do week-in, week-out.
“I am aware of the circumstances I am in and that I’ve got to play well. I suppose competition drives everyone on.
“Taine has played very well over the last couple of weeks and that’s without Justin Tipuric and Josh Navidi being in the squad.
“So we are all aware that we’ve got to play well.”
