TOM Prydie's career has been one of highs and lows, a meteoric early rise followed by a long period in the wilderness.
But since his summer switch to Scarlets, the man from Porthcawl believes his game is heading in the right direction and that he's ready to star at regional level once again, eight years after making his Test debut aged just 18.
Prydie, who's made four PRO14 starts since joining from the Dragons in the summer, remains Wales' youngest ever international and, after producing an impressive try-scoring display against Cardiff Blues on New Year's Eve, the now 25-year-old is determined to start 2018 with a bang.
Steffan Evans' four-week suspension has handed him a golden opportunity.
“I feel like I've improved as a player since joining the Scarlets even though I haven't had that much game time”, Prydie, right, told The Rugby Paper.
“Now I've got a huge opportunity with Steff ruled out. I've worked really hard in training and I've been patient so I need to nail this chance and play well.
“I do have unfinished business with Wales, but I'll have to just work hard and see what happens.”
Prydie added: “It was surreal getting capped so young, but I wouldn't change it for anything and it was a hell of a learning curve. It's a long time ago now and I've grown up a lot.”
After his Test high came the inuury low that stalled Prydie's development.
“I remember coming back from international duty, playing three games in a row for the Ospreys which was great, but then I tore my ACL and I was out of action for nine months.” Since swapping Dragons for Scarlets, Prydie has found a new mentor to guide him.
“It has been tough adapting, because the way the Dragons play is worlds apart from the Scarlets, but since coming here I see the game differently. Stephen Jones has been a big influence on me in terms of how he wants to play the game.
“He's very approachable and he's always available to help you work on your game.”
