From Pontyclun to Wales - the making of Harri Deaves

Autumn Nations Series: Wales v New Zealand

Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff Date: Saturday, 22 November Kick-off: 15:10 GMT

Coverage: Commentary on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and live text on BBC Sport online.

If you wanted to know how prospective new Wales cap Harri Deaves will be feeling when he runs out against New Zealand he can tell you in his own words.

"I think it's every person's dream who plays rugby in Wales to represent their country, so it would be surreal," said Deaves.

"I was a late developer and playing in a tough position, always being called too small, stuff like that.

"The size of my heart had to take over sometimes and I'd like to say that carries on.

"It's about making my village proud, I love representing my village and giving back to my family."

These inspirational words from the Ospreys flanker came earlier in the season when he was asked about his Wales ambitions.

It encapsulates his pride at representing his beloved village of Pontyclun and how he has proved people wrong about being too small.

Deaves' comments about his size is something that has followed him throughout his career, but it never detracted from his long-term ambitions.

"He always said as a young lad he was going to be a rugby player when he was older and to his word he's achieved that," said his father Hywel.

"He's reached that pinnacle now in Welsh honours and we're so incredibly pleased, we're on top of the world."

Deaves came through the schools and junior systems as a wing, centre and full-back before converting to flanker.

At a shade under 6ft (182cm) and weighing 15st 1lb (96kg), he is a small back-row physical presence, especially at international level.

More than holding his own against bigger opponents in South Africa earlier this season helped persuade Wales head coach Steve Tandy that Deaves can handle himself.

"If you look at the start of the season when the Ospreys went to South Africa, people talk about size but the way he pitched in was outstanding," said Tandy.

"He's got lots of skill and packs a punch. He isn't going to die wondering. The way he plays, he's very aggressive and backs himself."

Deaves has been described as an old-school throwback because of his gritty character.

A groin injury kept him out for the best part of a year and then the onset of Covid meant he missed rugby for two years.

He then shone with Wales Under-20s while coming through the Ospreys academy system.

Deaves did a variety of jobs in that time and his work as a roofer stands out most.

His Ospreys team-mates recount tales of the forward turning up to training in his van, either coming from an early morning stint working or preparing for another shift after the session.

When Deaves' name is mentioned, people invariably react with a smile.

"He's got a great personality," said Tandy. "You could see what it meant to the team when he was announced. He's super humble and a grateful kid."

Ospreys team-mate and Wales captain Dewi Lake agreed.

"He is an absolute top bloke," said Lake. "He loves everything he does and does everything with absolute passion. He massively deserves his chance."

One of Deaves' mentors is former Ospreys, Wales and Lions flanker Justin Tipuric.

Deaves has described Tipuric as his hero with both players renowned for their scrum caps, albeit different colours.

"He's got some amazing one-liners that get the boys revved up in the changing room before a game," said Tipuric, who is now the flanker's defence coach at Ospreys.

"Some of his team talks have been legendary and he is a man you want in your corner. You want him on your team, not be playing against him."

It started for Deaves at his local rugby club, known as the Badgers, where he began playing between the age of nine and 12.

He had a brief spell with Pontypridd before returning to Pontyclun at under-16s to play with his mates.

His love affair with the club lives on.

When he received his international squad call-up for injured Jac Morgan on a Monday night, Deaves went down to Pontyclun rugby club for a game of darts because this is what he always does.

They took the darts captaincy off him this season so it would not interfere with rugby.

On the night he was announced in the Wales team - and less than 48 hours before due to be running out to face the All Blacks - Deaves was at the club coaching the young players.

Pontyclun RFC vice-president Ned Probyn has known Deaves since he was a child.

"He's an absolute legend for the amount of stuff he does, the love he has for the people of Pontyclun Rugby Club and the people of the village also," said Probyn.

"His love for the game, for the mini and juniors - he's there every single Sunday."

Probyn spelled out Deaves commitment to Pontyclun.

"He's an incredible person, I've never met somebody so attached to a club," he added.

"I've then gone into the laundry room in the club and he's there washing the kit from the previous Saturday and hanging them up to dry.

"The year before last we had a club dinner and the caterers let us down. So four or five of us decided to do a curry for the club dinner.

"Rupert Moon was the guest speaker and Harri was supposed to be on the top table with them. He ended up cooking the curry in the kitchen with us and serving them!"

There is another side to Deaves and Tandy is quick to acknowledge the flanker has also shown the work ethic required to force his way into the international side.

"I love the way he's come into the environment," said Tandy.

"The work behind the scenes, the time he's spending on the laptops to get up to speed just in case the chance came along.

"When he got named, he was straight into training as if he's been here for more than a week. You can see the intensity and accuracy he brings in the way he's trained.

"You notice his drive and he's been amazing about taking feedback on board."

Tipuric also recognises Deaves' rugby IQ.

"People see the guy flying around, smashing people and diving on balls like they're grenades, but he's also an incredibly intelligent rugby player." said Tipuric.

"That's a side not a lot of people pick up on."

Tandy believes Deaves will not be overawed by facing the All Blacks.

"It is on the biggest stage of all but I have every confidence in Harry," said Tandy.

"He ain't going to change but he will fit into what we are trying to do. I am excited to see him go.

"What a story to go up against the All Blacks, it's going to be an amazing day for him, his family and the community.

"Whoever Harri plays on the weekend, it wouldn't make a difference. He has got that freedom to go and attack the game. He loves being aggressive and competitive and has no fear."

Deaves is following in an illustrious line of Ospreys open-side flankers who have graced the international game such as Tipuric, Marty Holah, Sam Underhill and Jac Morgan.

"We've been lucky with sevens at the Ospreys, there's been a real conveyor belt over the years," said Tipuric.

"I'm chuffed Deavsey has been recognised. He's got this opportunity on the international stage to show everyone what he's capable of."

Pontyclun will be out in force to support their favourite son.

"It's going to be an incredible day, one we'll never forget," said Probyn.

"I was never in doubt he would play for Wales. It was a matter of time but didn't expect it to come this soon.

"There were tears in our eyes when he was announced in the team, so it will be overwhelming on Saturday."

Whatever happens, Deaves aims to celebrate in his usual way.

"He's told me he wants to be back in the club on Saturday night after the game," said Probyn.

"He cannot wait to be back amongst his friends."

Deaves and Pontyclun would not have it any other way.