A Caerphilly-born player is set to return to South Wales tomorrow, Friday October 30, as Wales face France at Cardiff Arms Park.
Rhodri Lloyd, who attended Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni, became the youngest player to play for the Wales senior side when he made his debut against Italy in 2010, aged just 17.
The 22-year-old has won six Welsh caps, including a try scoring appearance against Italy in the World Cup at the Millennium Stadium in 2013.
Wales are going next door to the Arms Park following their win over Scotland in the first round of the European Championship, and the Wigan Warriors, player is revelling in the chance to take on France.
Lloyd said: “I played there a few times when I was younger, especially when I was in the Dragons Academy.
“We also warmed up on there before our game in the World Cup a couple of years ago. I’m looking forward to it. It’s a nice stadium, historic and it should be a good outing for us.”
Whilst playing rugby league in school, Lloyd also played for Penallta in both codes.
He chose to turn his back on the 15-man game and sign for the Celtic Crusaders, something he’s never regretted.
He said: “As well as playing, I’d watched a few games of rugby league and I saw how much of a faster game it was and how it suited me more.
“It’s really exciting and I hope a lot of the local rugby union fans will come down and watch it. It’ll be full of tries which is why people go to watch rugby.
“I’m sure quite a few of the Cwm Rhymni boys will go down to watch it. I know that Jeremy Evans, the teacher there, is a passionate rugby league fan, he’s coached the school side for years. I think they’ll add to a crowd that should be a few thousand.”
Lloyd has spent a lot of this season playing for Swinton Lions on dual registration, and although his Super League appearances have been limited, he’s been learning a lot in the north.
He said: “It’ll be tough this Friday against the French but we’ll prepare well for them.
“We’ve got a great tight-knit group, a bit like the Wales football side, full of experience and it’ll be a very physical affair.”
Lloyd has been joined in the squad by Caerphilly-born Morgan Evans.
The Coventry Bears prop, 23, replaces the injured Ben Flower, of Abertridwr.