Previous captain Anthony Lott has gained immense success from the Clubs XV national set up, having progressed to Principality Premiership club Ebbw Vale; his superb achievement is something that Lewis and his teammates can aspire to. Speaking ahead of his first match as Wales Clubs XV Captain, Lewis said: “It’s a huge honour to captain the Wales Clubs XV, a real privilege. I’m really looking forward to it; it’s going to be a really big occasion.”
When asked how it feels to wear the red jersey of his country, Lewis joked that it was ‘comfortable’ but no one should doubt how seriously he values the honour: “I’m really proud, I’ve had a lot of support from my family and it’s been very good so far. To captain this Wales side against Scotland on Friday will certainly be the pinnacle of my rugby career.”
A year ago Lewis was selected in the Wales Clubs XV training squad, but had to pull out due to marital reasons! Lewis explained: “I had recently got married and my wife Gemma and I had booked our honeymoon in Cuba which clashed with some important training sessions. I had to make a decision, and the decision was to go on honeymoon! I definitely missed the rugby, but perhaps I wouldn’t have had this opportunity now, so everything’s worked out for me.”
Lewis praises the Wales Clubs XV set-up, and stresses how vital it is that players at club level are given this extra chance to fulfil their potential, whatever that may be. “This set-up provides extra opportunities for players who may have missed out on age grade honours, or simply developed later in life,” he says. “The training is quite intense and we’re able to take something positive back to our clubs.”
Lewis further stresses the benefits of playing for one of Wales’s newest national sides: “You have the chance to play against opponents you wouldn’t normally play against. You experience top quality facilities, and work with top quality coaches. Though I’m happy at the moment playing for Builth Wells, if something did arise from this it would be a big opportunity.”
Looking ahead to today’s match Lewis added: “Friday afternoon’s match will be a stern challenge. Hopefully we’ll get support from all our local clubs; I know quite a few people from Builth Wells and Brecon will be travelling down to support us. We are aware of what Scotland will bring down to us. But we’ll match it, and hopefully finish on a winning note.”
