The 21-year-old Scarlets outside half is hoping to follow in some pretty illustrious footsteps by playing for Wales on the full international stage having won caps at age-grade level.
Wayne Hall, Scott Gibbs, Adrian Davies, Hugh Williams-Jones, Gareth Thomas, Gareth Jones, Nathan Thomas, Gareth Cooper, Gareth Williams, James Bater, Gavin Henson, and this summer Tommy Reffell have all progressed from the community club on the outskirts of Bridgend to represent their country.
Reffell made the grade in South Africa this summer and is a former teammate of Costelow’s during his days progressing though the Leicester Tigers Academy. Reffell is still at the English club, while Costelow is in his second season at the Scarlets.
“Tommy and I are best mates. We grew up together in Penoced and he lived just down the road from me,” said Costelow.
“We’re both very proud to come from Pencoed and we both played through the mini and junior section of the village club. Playing together for Wales would be the ultimate dream and coming from Pencoed is a big part of who we are – we owe the club a great deal of thanks.
“Tommy is a couple of years older than me and was a familiar face when I went to Leicester. I asked him about the club before I went there, and it helped knowing he had had a good time there.
“There are a lot of great players who have come through the Pencoed club and hopefully I can follow in their footsteps.”
Costelow admitted to being “over the moon” when he received the email confirming he was in the Autumn Nations Series squad but didn’t have much time to celebrate. He went training, attending a Zoom press conference ahead of the URC clash with Connacht and then had to go to Trimsaran RFC to inspire the Mini and Junior section at that club.
“I found out via email, and I didn’t know who to ring first, my Mum or Dad. They know how much this means to me and hopefully it makes them feel proud,” added Costelow.
“They have been with me in the good and bad days, all the way through. I always used to go to the Principality Stadium with my Dad and Grandad – we loved a day out in Cardiff with all the big match atmosphere.
“I remember seeing Stephen Jones playing but I can’t remember anyone else. I’ve got some good memories and it is everybody’s dream to play for Wales.
“Now I need to be a sponge and try to learn as much as I can when I’m with the squad. If I get the chance to play, I just have to go out there and enjoy it.”
