Tom Howe: The teenage hooker tipped for Wales before his Cardiff debut

Great potential, undoubtedly, yet there will be no rushing of a young man from Llanishen who has only just completed his A-levels at Ysgol Glantaf in Cardiff.

The Blue and Blacks have already given Howe a taste of senior training and he will push Wales internationals Liam Belcher and Evan Lloyd, plus Dafydd Hughes, for action in 2026-27.

“It was great to get an insight into what I need to improve and to learn professional habits off the other boys,” said the teenager, who is in the club’s senior academy.

“It was really helpful and I can’t wait to get straight back into it. I’m working towards a debut but I’m not sure when that will come.

“I won’t hold my breath, I’ll just keep working hard and stay committed because I’ve got enough time. There’s no rush.”

Such maturity is valuable when others are keen to mention his name in a department where Wales are already well-stocked in this World Cup cycle.

Steve Tandy used Lake, Belcher, Ryan Elias and Brodie Coghlan in 2025-26 and also called up Elliot Dee and Lloyd.

Under-20s prospects are earmarked for the Test team every year but Howe does not let such hype affect him.

“You’re only as good as your last game and you have to keep working hard,” he said.

“It has happened so many times, players have been built up and nothing comes of it.

“My parents have made sure to tell me to stay humble and treat everybody the way that you would like to be treated.

“You meet the same people on the way up as you do on the way down, so stay humble and stay committed to the craft, I guess.”