Prop prospect Dillon Lewis is determined to keep learning from the experienced professionals around him at regional level after his Grand Slam winning exploits with Wales Under-20s.
Young tighthead prop Lewis was a key figure as Wales Under-20s wrapped up the Grand Slam in the Six Nations earlier this month – a first since 2005.
Lewis was joined by regional team-mates Corey Domachowski, Harri Millard, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Elis Wyn Benham, Morgan Sieniawski, Robert Lewis and Jarrod Evans in the tournament.
The talented 20-year-old – who came up through the ranks at Pontypridd RFC – is now back in action for Cardiff Blues and was given his first-ever Guinness PRO12 start in the thumping win over Benetton Treviso last Friday night.
However, despite a ‘surreal’ experience with Wales Under-20s he is determined to keep his feet on the ground at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park and learn from the players around him.
“I am grateful to come out of the campaign with the Wales Under-20s and the opportunity to play some more rugby for Cardiff Blues,” he said.
“It’s a step up from Under-20s level when you are playing amongst the likes of Gethin Jenkins and Sam Warburton.
“But for a young player coming up through the ranks there is no better opportunity. I just try and take as much and learn as much as I can from the experienced players.
“The Under-20s campaign with Wales was surreal and hasn’t really sunk in yet. All the boys deserve credit because it was a real squad effort and an outstanding journey to be a part of.”
Reflecting on his full league debut on home soil, Lewis added: “It was an excellent win and the boys showed some outstanding rugby and our capability to throw the ball around. It was exciting to watch and be a part of.
“With any game you have to get in control and the first half it was about breaking them down.
“To have the lead we had at the break was what we aimed for and we played a lot rugby second half and made it count.”