by Tom Pritchard
REWIND to this time last year, and Jamie Hill was playing for the University of South Wales in the BUCS South A.
Twelve months on, and he was making his first start for Wales U20’s in the Six Nations.
It has been a remarkable rise to prominence for the 19-year-old scrum-half, who described his first start for his country as “one of the best moments” of a relatively short career to date.
The youngster has impressed in the Principality Premiership for local team Pontypridd RFC, who have a strong link with USW.
In terms of first starts, this one was right up there, as Wales ran out comfortable 42-12 winners at the Stadio Danilo Martelli.
“It was one of the best moments so far (starting for Wales), because of how far I have come and how hard I’ve had to work,” said Hill.
“Most people have been in the system since a young age, and I think I was the only one to get my first cap at 20s level so it was a great honour and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”
Hill was very pleased with how the team, who are coached by Gareth Williams, were able to put in a clinical display in Mantua.
“It’s not easy travelling in such a short time to Italy and having to pull off a great performance, everyone was really chuffed with the win but there’s still a lot of work to do leading up to some of the more competitive teams later in the tournament.”
The scrum-half, who is known for his darting runs around the base of the ruck, was quick to praise the impact the university setup has had in his development.
“The University has honestly been a massive part of my pathway after finishing at Coleg y Cymoedd.
“Not being in the system until this season comes down to just trusting the pathway the University can provide and trusting the work you put in.”
The university’s link with Pontypridd RFC has allowed players like Hill to experience the game at a higher level, as he and team-mates like Joe Popple and Ben Warren look to continue their progress.
“If it wasn’t for Pontypridd, I wouldn’t have developed as quickly into that senior player I wanted to be starting off as a youngster at this level.
“Growing up watching Pontypridd every weekend makes me so grateful every time I play for them, and if it wasn’t for the opportunity they gave me last season, maybe things would be different.”
The USW first team have had another positive campaign in the BUCS Sport South A, matching the third-placed finished they achieved last season in a league that includes the likes of Hartpury and Swansea.
Hill, who featured for Cardiff Blues A earlier this season, expected the university side to do well this season: “I’m not surprised because of how close we were last year, missing out by small margins.
“The team has really grown this year and a lot of leaders have come to the fore. They’ve got a great ambition to be promoted.
As the University continues to develop and strengthen links with its partners, Hill has given a glowing reference of the setup which has facilitated his exponential improvement in recent times.
“Joining USW gives you lots of amazing opportunities. Training in the facilities they have allow you to better your self as a player.
“The coaching staff at the University are brilliant. There is a lot of knowledge and experience with Justin Burnell and Ben Daniels which forces players to get better every week.
“The pathway they have from Coleg y Cymoedd and Pontypridd are second to none.”
(Featured image: Nathan Parker)
