Prydie poised to be new pride of Wales

Teenager Tom Prydie may have been "shaking with shock" when he found out he'd be making Welsh rugby history but fellow wing Shane Williams reckons a new "superstar" has been discovered

Prydie, at the age of 18 years and 15 days, will become Wales's youngest Test player when he faces Italy at the Millennium Stadium in the Six Nations here on Saturday.

Now Prydie is set to eclipse England's Mathew Tait as the Six Nations' youngest participant and break a Welsh record that has stood since 1888 when Cardiff wing Norman Biggs made his debut aged 18 years and 50 days.

It was widely expected that coach Warren Gatland would make changes for the final match of what has been a disappointing Six Nations for Wales following last weekend's 27-12 defeat by defending champions Ireland in Dublin.

But few foresaw Prydie's call-up, least of all the Ospreys back himself.

"We had training this (Tuesday) morning, Warren called all the boys in just as they do at every session and normally I'm just at the back, not really taking any notice," Prydie recalled. "My name was called out, but I didn't really hear properly. Byrnie (Lee Byrne) was stamping on my foot and nudging me and I didn't really know what he was doing and he told me I was playing on the right wing.

"I couldn't really believe it, I was shaking it was such a shock.

"It's gone a bit quick this year, from my 17th to 18th birthday I'm flying. I signed a contract with the Ospreys, selected in the Welsh squad and now playing on the weekend it's flown by, I'd have thought the next step was the Under-20s after this." But Prydie, now in the senior team in place of the dropped Leigh Halfpenny, is relishing the prospect of his first cap which has come after just two appearances for the Ospreys.

"Since I was a kid I always wanted to play for Wales as any kid does," he said. "I've grown up watching players like Shane Williams, Stephen Jones and James Hook."

CARDIFF, AFP