Wales' best young rugby player officially named after 'crazy' breakthrough (original) (raw)

Cardiff and Wales full-back Cameron Winnett has been crowned the Welsh Rugby Writers' Association Young Player of the Year after an impressive breakthrough 2023/24 campaign.

The young full-back established himself in Cardiff's first team last year, before being thrust into the Wales side for this year's Six Nations.

Winnett started all five of Wales' Six Nations matches in the 15 jersey, before featuring in two of their three summer Tests against South Africa and Australia.

"It was a crazy season to be honest," he said after being handed his award at the Arms Park. "I didn’t expect to be where I am now.

"I’m very grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and it’s been a good year. I feel good.

"I’m still building on last season and hopefully I can take that experience into this one. I’m looking forward to it."

SIGN UP: Get the new exclusive Inside Welsh rugby newsletter for full insight into what's really going on behind the scenes.

The 21-year-old, who has been able to learn from on the likes of Dan Fish, Josh Adams and Liam Williams during his rapid rise, is now looking to back up his remarkable first season for club and country - with the goals having changed slightly.

"It’s to play as much as I can again and to take my opportunities," he added. "My main goal is winning games for Cardiff and then hopefully into the Wales squad again this autumn. It’s where I want to be.

"I’ve taken a lot of confidence from the experience I had last season. I’m quite a calm character. I don’t get too nervous.

"I keep myself to myself on game day. I’m not nervous, I’m just always ready to play rugby. That’s my character. I try to take every game as it comes.

"Obviously you take stuff into Wales, but it’s the intensity of playing at that level. One mistake and you get punished. There is no room for error. That’s what I’ve learned and tried to take into the future."

That first Test against Scotland remains the highlight, with his cap still in his bedroom. Once he moves house, it'll take pride of place on the wall with his first jersey.

Speaking about his award, Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt was delighted about the recognition the young full-back was receiving.

"I’ve been massively impressed with Cam," he said. "He’s someone who I actually didn’t really coach much at first.

"He came in and obviously trained with the first team on the back of being in the academy. He’d had some first team involvement but straight away when I saw him in training I could tell.

"First of all, he’s very consistent. Touch wood, Cam never misses a training session. He comes in and gets on with it every day. He’s quite a quiet lad but very professional.

"He talks on the pitch but isn’t one to stand up in meeting and say too much. He comes in, does his work, and keeps himself to himself but when you watch him train, he’s very consistent in all his actions.

"He’s got good feet and good hand speed and a good catch pass. It’s the little things I like though. He’s always scanning. He’s got a lot of natural ability and I’m delighted he’s won the award. He deserves it."

Story Saved

You can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.