To use his own words, taking up rugby was a bit of “a no brainer” for new Wales U20s captain Joe Hawkins.
The sport was deeply embedded in his family roots and it’s been a major part of his life for pretty much as long as he can remember.
His father David played in the centre for Aberavon, Carmarthen Quins and Tonmawr, while his uncle Dan was a scrum-half for Swansea, Neath and Bonymaen.
Now it’s Joe’s turn to carry on the tradition.
Even though he’s only 19, he has already played some 18 senior games for the Ospreys and has now been chosen to skipper Wales U20s against France on Thursday night in the absence of the suspended Alex Mann.
It will be a proud day for the whole Hawkins clan.
“Rugby is obviously strong on my father’s side, but on my mother’s side as well,” he says.
“They are all involved with Ystalyfera RFC.
“Both sides of the family have always been big on rugby, so it was a bit inevitable really that I was going to go down that route as well.
“I think it was a bit of a no-brainer.
“My earliest memories are either of being over Aberavon or the bowl down at Carmarthen Quins, with the cycle track round the outside.
“When I think back to being little, I always remember how big I used to think the ramps were on the side of the pitch. When I go back now, I can’t believe how small they are!
Hawkins hails from Ystalyfera and attended Cwmtawe Comprehensive School, playing most of his junior rugby at Pontardawe RFC, ahead of a spell at Neath Athletic, with fly-half his position.
He also dabbled with rugby league, turning out for West Wales Raiders, and says he enjoyed the simplicity of the game.
Indeed, the players he particularly enjoyed watching when he was growing up both played the 13-man code - Sonny Bill
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