"Deaves's ascent is one of the game's more uncommon career paths in the era of professional rugby. He joined the Ospreys Academy from his local club, Pontyclun, in the Rhondda after a brief civil engineering course at Bridgend College. His early days at Ospreys, alongside British & Irish Test Lions Alex Cuthbert, Justin Tipuric and Rhys Webb, saw him turn up for morning training sessions in his van ahead of afternoon work as a roofer."
"Harri Deaves making his debut I think is an amazing story. His performances for the Ospreys, both sides of the ball, have been outstanding. I love how he plays the game. He's a smaller rugby player and the way he plays he adds physicality. His speed and aggression are there for everyone to see. It's an amazing opportunity for Harri and we can't wait to see him go on Saturday."
Harri Deaves progressed from working as a roofer to selection for his first Wales cap at age 24, starting at flanker against the All Blacks. He advanced through Pontyclun and the Ospreys Academy after a brief civil engineering course, balancing morning training with roofing work. Deaves replaces injured Jac Morgan, who dislocated a shoulder. The back rower stands just under 6ft and weighs 96kg, and has faced scepticism about his size but is praised for speed, aggression and added physicality. Alex Mann and Aaron Wainwright join him in the back row, while Rhys Carre and Keiron Assiratti return in the front row. Joe Hawkins wins his first cap since the 2023 Six Nations after moving to Exeter and had previously been ineligible for the 2023 World Cup due to insufficient caps while playing outside Wales.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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