Welsh prospect based in England aims to follow in Wales star’s footsteps
A young Welsh rugby prospect, Harry Beddall, currently based in England, is setting his sights on emulating the success of his Welsh compatriot and Leicester Tigers teammate, Tommy Reffell. Beddall, who captains the Wales U20s team, is considered a potential star of the future, eager to make a significant impact in the senior rugby scene in the coming seasons.
Drawing inspiration from Reffell, who led his country at the U20s level before excelling in the English Premiership and earning 23 Wales senior caps, Beddall shares a similar skill set with a focus on winning turnover ball at the breakdown. Beddall acknowledges Reffell as a role model, stating, “I try to model my game around him… We are similar builds, and I think the biggest similarity is the way we play.”
Starting his rugby journey with St Peter’s RFC in Cardiff, Beddall progressed to Hartpury where he continues his studies while catching the eye of Leicester Tigers as a promising talent. With his senior Leicester debut last November, Beddall has been earmarked as a top prospect by the Leicester hierarchy, showcasing his potential on the field.
Leading the Wales U20s team, Beddall is set to face France U20s in their Six Nations opener at the Stade de la Rabine, with a sell-out crowd expected. Wales U20s head coach Richard Whiffin lauds Beddall’s leadership qualities, highlighting his emotional intelligence, work ethic, and determination on both sides of the ball, embodying the team’s ethos of relentlessness.
This season, the Wales U20s squad has a significant incentive with closer ties to the senior national side, as coaches like Warren Gatland and Rob Howley actively engage with the younger players, providing opportunities for training alongside the senior squad. The exposure to the senior side has motivated the U20s players, including Beddall, to strive for excellence and push themselves to reach new heights in their rugby careers.
Beddall’s experience in training against the senior squad has been invaluable, offering a glimpse of the standards required to compete at the highest level. The integration between the U20s and senior squads has created a pathway for aspiring players to bridge the gap and fulfill their potential, inspiring Beddall and his teammates to work harder and aim for success in the upcoming U20s Six Nations tournament.
With a strong team lineup announced for Wales U20s, featuring talented players across various positions, including Harry Beddall leading the pack, expectations are high for a competitive showing in the Six Nations. The young squad’s determination, coupled with guidance from experienced coaches, sets the stage for an exciting and promising campaign as they seek to make their mark in Welsh rugby and beyond.
As Harry Beddall and his fellow Wales U20s teammates prepare to take on France U20s and other formidable opponents in the upcoming tournament, the rugby world anticipates an impressive display of talent, skill, and determination from the next generation of Welsh rugby stars. With a blend of youthful enthusiasm and experienced guidance, the Wales U20s team is poised to make waves and carve out their paths in the rugby landscape, following in the footsteps of their senior counterparts and aiming for future success on the international stage.