Young Gun: Will Talbot-Davies – Dragons full-back

Will Talbot-Davies might have grown up in England and gone to Solihull school but he is as Welsh as they come so it is no surprise he jumped at the opportunity to join the Dragons academy this summer.
Born in High Wycombe from a Welsh father and an English mother, Talbot-Davies grew up near Birmingham but always dreamt of representing Wales at international level.
That is why he joined the Exiles program set up to spot talent in England by the WRU and he is now a full-time member of the Dragons academy after graduating from school.
“I’m half Welsh half English but with a very keen Welsh dad I always wanted to play for Wales,” he told The Rugby Paper. “I’d been training with the Welsh Exiles for a while but the WRU decided players had to play in Wales to be eligible and that’s how I joined the Dragons.
“The Exiles program has been great for me in giving me a way into the Welsh set up and any Welsh player leaving in England should definitely give it a go.
“I played for their U18s team last season and from there I was picked to play for Wales U18s. I ended up playing twice against England and France last autumn and just got back from South Africa where we played three matches.
“It’s been a big change to move away from home this summer but I’m living in a house next to Rodney Parade with Dorian Jones and Carl Meyer.
“They both play in the first team and being a fly-half and a full-back it’s great for me. They’re always happy to give me some advice which has made the transition easier.”
Now full-time across the Severn Bridge, Talbot-Davies is looking to get up to speed with the men’s game with an eye on two Cup competitions.
Making the step up to Wales U20s is also is big target for him especially has this season will be is one and only chance to do so.
He said: “I’m in the wider Dragons squad joining a professional environment out of school. So I’m just looking to get up to speed, put some weight on and be ready for men’s rugby.
“I’m not thinking about the Pro12 yet but maybe I can get some game time in the British & Irish Cup or maybe even the Anglo-Welsh Cup.
“Being born late in 1997, I only have one year at U20s level so I’ve got to do my best to make the squad this season.
“Some players can have a year on the fringe before being fully involved the following year but I can’t do that so I need to get stuck in. First I’ll aim for the Six Nations and hopefully the World Cup after that.”