Jac Morgan is relishing the chance to make his Scarlets senior debut after being named in the match-day 23 to face London Irish on Saturday.
The 19-year-old back-rower has been highly rated at the Scarlets throughout his time in the Academy system.
From Brynamman, he played Dewar Shield schoolboys rugby for Mynydd Mawr and after impressing for Scarlets U18s earned a Wales call-up for a tour to South Africa.
He was one of Wales U20s’ standout players during the Junior World Championships in Argentina in the summer and captained the Scarlets A side during this season’s Celtic Cup campaign.
He now gets his big opportunity after being named on the bench for the European Challenge Cup opener against Irish.
“I’m a bit nervous, the call came as a surprise, but I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.
Jac has been training with the squad full-time this season after putting his engineering studies on hold for a year.
“It’s been brilliant, I have really enjoyed it. It has been five weeks now and it is great working with the boys day in, day out. I am learning a huge amount off the senior players and it’s been important for me as well in terms of conditioning and nutrition.
“The Academy have always been keen to stress the importance of your education as well, so next year I am hoping to do a HSC and maybe looking at a degree.
“This season it’s all about continuing my development; I enjoyed the Celtic Cup, we had some good results in that competition and hopefully I can make the most of any chances that come my way with the Scarlets.”
Tickets are available for Saturday’s match at tickets.scarlets.wales