The teenage Cardiff hooker ignoring Wales hypeImage source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Tom Howe was among 24 players validated in Cardiff’s senior academy in AprilByChris KirwanBBC Sport WalesPublished45 minutes agoOthers might believe it is a matter of time before he wins his first Wales cap, but hooker Tom Howe is more concerned with trying to make his Cardiff debut.The 18-year-old is enjoying a well-earned rest after his exploits with Wales Under-20s at the Junior World Championship.The 6ft 3in front-row forward made four starts when helping Richard Whiffen’s side finish sixth, featuring prominently with 28 carries and 54 tackles alongside solid set-piece work.Howe plays in a position where prospects have to bide their time and learn the dark arts, yet he has the raw ingredients to excite good judges of talent.Former Wales hooker Scott Baldwin saw him at close range when coaching Bridgend against Cardiff in Super Rygbi Cymru.”He’s got the highest of ceilings I’ve seen of a hooker coming through in Wales,” Baldwin told Scrum V podcast last month.
“I’d put him in the same category as Dewi Lake, but he’s probably further down the line in his development as a hooker for his age profile because he is in his first year with the Under-20s.
“I know from speaking to Steve Tandy that he’s already in their thoughts for 12 to 18 months’ time.”
