Iwan Stephens enjoying life with Cardiff
Growing up, rugby league was very much the sporting love for Iwan Stephens, with his heroes being the likes of Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow.
But, these days, the new try-scoring Cardiff winger is a convert to union in every sense.
As his accent indicates, he was born and raised in Leeds, with his father Colin – the former Llanelli and Wales fly-half – having moved to west Yorkshire in his mid-20s.
The four-times capped Colin continued playing union after heading north, having spells with Leeds, Sedgley Park, Morley and Huddersfield.
But it was the 13-man code which grabbed the attention of young Iwan.
“Being in Yorkshire, I was rugby league mad,” said Stephens.
Rugby League Heroes
“Rob Burrow, Kevin Sinfield, Danny Maguire were my heroes. They were all at Leeds and I looked up to them. I liked the way they played.
“I always wanted to play for Leeds and I got the opportunity to play in their scholarship system and the academy.”
But then, at the age of 18, he was let go by the Rhinos, resulting in a switch of codes as he joined Newcastle Falcons. He admits it took him a while to come to terms with the change.
“In my first year at Newcastle, I didn’t know if it was the right choice for me,” he recalls.
“They are just two completely different games. But then, after my first year went by, I got the hang of union. I knew the rules and I started to enjoy it a lot more than league and I knew I was in the right sport.
“There is a lot more carrying in league. The way union is going, I am really enjoying it and I think I prefer it to league.”
Stephens spent four years at Newcastle, scoring 11 tries in 24 appearances, and was capped by England at U20s level, but remains Welsh-qualified.
New Challenge
Now 22, it’s time for a fresh challenge at Cardiff and he’s started well, with sharply taken tries in both of his first two games against Bath and Zebre.
“I’m really enjoying it so far. The boys and the coaches have been very welcoming,” he said. “I like the way Cardiff play. I feel it suits my attributes and abilities. They play from anywhere, they play from deep. So I am excited by the opportunity.
“It’s a different competition as well. There are some top class players in the URC and it will be good to play against them.
“Hopefully, I can show what I can do and impress. I would say my footwork is one of my biggest strengths.
“There is still room for improvement with things like passing, holding my width or coming off my wing to get the ball. But Jockey (coach Matt Sherratt) has said don’t let your good habits go out of the window, keep working on them.”
Giving his thoughts, Sherratt said: “Iwan is a ‘Cardiff ’ type of player. He suits our style of play and has a bit of X-factor to create something out of nothing. I’m excited to see what kind of impact he can have here.”
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