Rising Star Josh Hathaway Reflects on Emotional Wales Debut
Welsh rugby union player Josh Hathaway has opened up about the overwhelming emotions he experienced during his Test debut for the national team. The 20-year-old Gloucester wing, who previously represented Wales and England at the under-20 level, was selected by head coach Warren Gatland for Wales’ recent summer tour.
In the first Test against Australia, Hathaway earned his first international cap, and the occasion proved to be a deeply moving one for the young talent from Aberystwyth. “I did shed a tear or two after [the national anthem],” Hathaway admitted. “I was trying not to, but it was hard because it is what I have always wanted to do.”
Hathaway highlighted the stark difference between singing the anthem at the age-grade level and doing so while representing his country on the international stage. “I have sung the anthem at age grade, but this is different when you are representing your country on the international stage at the top level,” he said. “It is going to take a couple of weeks to settle in. When the team was announced, I still can’t believe it even now we have played the game.”
The young winger, who became the 1,207th man to play for Wales, was supported by his family and friends during the historic occasion. “My Mum, Dad and sister were here as well, which is lovely for the first one,” Hathaway shared. “We have had some friends who have flown over for the game, and there are some, who have lived here for a fair few months, who came to the match as well.”
Despite the 25-16 defeat against the Wallabies, Hathaway’s debut was a momentous milestone in his rugby career, one that he has aspired to since childhood. “It’s what I have wanted to do since I was three or four years old, and it’s still surreal now to think back and look at it,” he reflected.
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