Ben Carter's Rise in Welsh Rugby
Wales lock Ben Carter is eager for increased Test match opportunities after progressing from a peripheral Six Nations player to displacing a British and Irish Lion.
The 25-year-old co-captain of the Dragons has steadily established himself as a significant presence in club rugby, though his appearances at the international Test level have been limited.
Carter made his international debut in the summer of 2021. Prior to the current Six Nations Championship, he had only played six minutes in the tournament, coming on as a substitute during a 29-0 defeat to Ireland in 2022.
During this year's Six Nations, Carter was introduced off the bench against England and France before earning a long-awaited starting position against Scotland. In that match, he replaced Adam Beard, a seasoned lock with 63 caps and British and Irish Lions experience, partnering with Dafydd Jenkins in the second row.
Carter's performance secured his retention of the number five jersey for the subsequent matches against Ireland and Italy, contributing to Wales ending a three-year drought for a Six Nations victory over Italy.
"There are a lot of good second rows and I was just glad I was given my opportunity," said Carter, who has now earned 19 international caps.
"Adam Beard was really supportive and offered me lots of help around the line-out where I needed it, and I appreciated that."
Performance and Statistics
Carter matched the high work rate of Exeter lock Dafydd Jenkins during the tournament. According to Opta statistics, the Dragons forward completed 50 tackles, made 19 carries, crossed the gainline nine times, and engaged in 82 rucks in attack and 24 in defence throughout the Six Nations.
His international career has been somewhat interrupted since his debut against Canada in 2021. Last summer, Carter earned a starting role in the first Test against Japan but suffered a head injury just 27 seconds into the game.
Currently, Carter holds the starting jersey and aims to maintain his form as Wales prepare for upcoming matches against the Barbarians, Fiji, Argentina, and South Africa scheduled for June and July under coach Steve Tandy.
"I got more opportunities than I had in the past and I know results weren't amazing but I enjoyed the whole camp," Carter remarked, acknowledging potential competition from the returning Teddy Williams.
"I look forward to hopefully being involved again and being more successful because there were definitely some aspects that were really positive, even when the results weren't there.
"Hopefully people can see the forward steps that we took and nothing feels like winning, so it was good that we got that feeling against Italy."
Club Ambitions and Upcoming Fixtures
In addition to his international aspirations, Carter hopes to secure more victories with the Dragons as they strive to finish above the Scarlets in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
This follows their upcoming Challenge Cup last 16 match against Stade Francais in Paris, scheduled for Sunday at 12:30 BST, where the Dragons will aim for an upset.
