Theo Bevacqua admits the opportunity to learn from former Cardiff Blues and Wales legend Gethin Jenkins is ‘surreal’.
The loosehead prop, who is educated at Eastbourne College, has committed his future to Cardiff Blues, signing an academy deal to join the region ahead of next season.
The youngster appeared for Cardiff Blues A in their Celtic Cup campaign earlier this season, and will move to the Arms Park ahead of next season, with a view of balancing his rugby career with studies at Cardiff University.
Bevacqua is also a member of the Wales under-20 squad for the Six Nations campaign. He made his debut from the bench against Italy on Friday and works alongside 134-times capped international, Jenkins, who is defence coach with Gareth Williams' side, as well as continuing his role a transition coach with Cardiff Blues.
Bevacqua is excited to begin his new chapter at the Welsh capital, as he commits his future to Welsh rugby.
“It was incredible, quite surreal. He asked me if I’d like to play a couple of games for the Blues in the A team and I said yes immediately,” said the 18-year-old.
“Since then he’s become the defence coach with the Wales U20 team as well and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to learn from.
“It’s all a bit of a balancing act for me at the moment. I’ve got to get my A Levels in order to take up an offer at Cardiff University in order to be closer to the Blues set-up.
“I’m in my penultimate term at Eastbourne College and I’m hoping to study Philosophy and Economics at university. The teachers have been amazing with me and have even come into give me extra help at weekends to make up for the days I miss through rugby training in Wales.
“I wanted to give professional rugby my best shot and having got into the Welsh age grade system I was delighted when the Blues offered me a place in their Academy.
“If I can get the results I need to go to Cardiff University then everything will fall into place.
“I wanted to fully commit to Wales, and to fully immerse myself into the system at the Blues, so choosing Cardiff University seemed the best step.”