In a remarkable sporting fairytale, former Rhondda roofer Harri Deaves will complete his extraordinary journey from construction sites to international rugby this Saturday when he makes his Wales debut against the mighty All Blacks.
From Roofs to Rugby Fields
The 24-year-old Ospreys flanker's ascent represents one of rugby's more unconventional career paths in the professional era. Deaves began his working life as a roofer while pursuing his rugby dreams, often turning up for morning training sessions in his van before heading to afternoon work on construction sites.
His rugby journey started at his local club, Pontyclun, in the Rhondda before he joined the Ospreys Academy following a brief civil engineering course at Bridgend College. During his early days with Ospreys, he trained alongside British & Irish Lions stars Alex Cuthbert, Justin Tipuric and Rhys Webb while maintaining his roofing career.
Coach Hails "Amazing Story"
Wales head coach Steve Tandy expressed his admiration for Deaves' journey, stating: "Harri Deaves making his debut I think is an amazing story. His performances for the Ospreys, both sides of the ball, have been outstanding. I love how he plays the game."
Tandy particularly praised the flanker's physical attributes despite concerns about his size. Standing at just under 6ft (182cm) and weighing 15st 1lb (96kg), Deaves has faced scepticism about being too small for international rugby. "He's a smaller rugby player and the way he plays he adds physicality," Tandy noted. "His speed and aggression are there for everyone to see."
Wales Team Shakeup
Deaves earns his opportunity following Jac Morgan's shoulder dislocation during Wales' 52-28 defeat by Argentina. He joins Alex Mann and Aaron Wainwright in a reshuffled back row as part of five changes to the side that narrowly defeated Japan 24-23 with a last-gasp penalty.
Other notable changes include:
- Props Rhys Carre and Keiron Assiratti return to partner captain Dewi Lake in the front row
- Scarlets centre Joe Hawkins wins his first cap since the 2023 Six Nations
- Tom Rogers replaces suspended Josh Adams on the wing
- Harlequins fly-half Jarrod Evans remains among the replacements
Hawkins' return marks a significant moment after his move to Exeter made him ineligible for the 2023 World Cup under Wales' selection policy for players based outside the country.
All Blacks Ring Changes
Meanwhile, New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson has made 12 changes to his starting lineup following their 33-19 defeat by England last weekend. Only captain Scott Barrett, flanker Simon Parker and Will Jordan, who switches from full-back to wing, retain their places.
Robertson insisted his team aren't taking Wales lightly despite the extensive changes. "We have a lot to play for this weekend," he said. "We want to put on a performance that reflects the effort and pride we have put in. We do not underestimate the passion and resolve that Wales will bring."
The All Blacks bring an intimidating record to Cardiff, having won their last 33 matches against Wales, with the hosts' last victory in this fixture dating back to 1953.
Wales team: B Murray (Scarlets), L Rees-Zammit (Bristol), M Llewellyn (Gloucester), J Hawkins (Scarlets), T Rogers (Scarlets), D Edwards (Ospreys), T Williams (Gloucester); R Carre (Saracens), D Lake (Ospreys, capt), K Assiratti (Cardiff), D Jenkins (Exeter), A Beard (Montpellier), A Mann (Cardiff), H Deaves (Ospreys), A Wainwright (Dragons).
Replacements: B Coghlan (Dragons), Gareth Thomas (Ospreys), A Griffin (Bath), F Thomas (Gloucester), T Plumtree (Scarlets), K Hardy (Ospreys), J Evans (Harlequins), N Tompkins (Saracens).
