How did you get into rugby?
My father, Adrian, was a wing at Pontyberem and when I wanted to start playing with my friends he coached our team all the way from U7 to U16.

What positions have you played?
I was outside-half all the way up to U15 then I moved to outside-centre and I’ve been there ever since.

Nigel Owens is your cousin, and tweets you good luck messages.
Yes. He only lives about a minute away from us, so I see him all the time.

When did you first link up with the Scarlets?
I went to Scarlets U16 and after I played for Wales U16 I got a Scarlets Academy contract. I played for their U18s last season and this.

And you played four first-team matches in August and September (2015).
I was asked to do pre-season with the senior squad and I was very surprised, then I had a couple of games before I went back to the U18s and schools rugby. It was very good to be involved and everyone was nice to me. It was a privilege to play with Regan King and be coached by Stephen Jones.

Who are you playing for now?
Pontyberem 1sts, Scarlets U18, a bit for Llanelli and for Coleg Sir Gâr. I mostly train with the academy, then play for whoever I can! I’m studying for two A levels as well.

What are your aims now?
I hope to get picked for Wales U18 by playing well for Scarlets U18. I do feel I’m improving all the time.

RW Verdict: Nicholas became the youngest player to represent the Scarlets (17 years and 134 days) when he turned out v Jersey in August 2015 and he made his Guinness Pro12 debut that September, so he is clearly highly rated.

First published in the February 2016 edition of Rugby World magazine.