When did you start playing rugby?
When I was nine, at my local club Newport HSOB. My dad used to play. I started right at the end of a season and only had one game, and I couldn’t wait for the next season to start. I stayed with the club until I was 13, then went to Caerleon and now I’m with Ebbw Vale.

Have you played in different positions?
First of all I was a centre, then I moved to the back row when I was about 14. I play No 8 or six now, I really don’t mind which.

Who had a big influence on you?
Paul Young from Coleg Gwent. The Dragons coaches are good and honest, telling me what to do and spending time with me to do it too.

When did you join the Dragons?
I played U16 and U18 for them, then joined the academy and after a year there I moved up to the senior squad for this season (2015-16).

When did you first play for Wales?
For the U18s, against England.

What was it like playing for Wales U20 last season?
It was a great honour and I really improved over the months I was with them.

You helped the Dragons win the Singha Sevens last August and got the winning try in the semi-final and final…
I don’t normally score two tries all year, let alone two like that! It was a really positive experience, playing in front of decent crowds and against good players.

What’s next?
I hope to play a good set of games with Wales U20. Ebbw Vale were second in the (Principality) Premiership last year so I’m hoping to help them go one better and it would be great to get some game time for the Dragons and challenge myself.

RW Verdict: A dozen games at No 8 for Ebbw Vale in last season’s (2014-15) Principality Premiership helped toughen Keddie up and he shone in nine outings for Wales U20 and for the Dragons’ sevens side. Pro12 success beckons.

First published in the November 2015 edition of Rugby World magazine.