Tom Howe was among 24 players confirmed in Cardiff's senior academy in April, and the 18-year-old is more focused on earning his Cardiff debut than on any talk of a future Wales cap. After his exploits with Wales Under-20s at the Junior World Championship, the hooker is now enjoying a well-earned rest before turning his attention back to club rugby.
What has Howe already shown at under-20 level?
Howe made four starts as Richard Whiffen's side finished sixth at the Junior World Championship, playing a prominent role with 28 carries and 54 tackles as well as solid set-piece work. The 6ft 3ins front-row forward has already shown the sort of raw ingredients that can excite talent scouts, even if the position requires patience, learning and time to develop the finer details.
Former Wales hooker Scott Baldwin saw Howe 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."
There is clearly great potential, but there will be no rushing of a young man from Llanishen who has only just completed his A-levels at Ysgol Glantaf in Cardiff. The Blue and Blacks have already given Howe a taste of senior training, and he will push Wales internationals Liam Belcher and Evan Lloyd, plus Dafydd Hughes, for action in 2026-27.
"It was great to get an insight into what I need to improve and to learn professional habits off the other boys,"said the teenager, who is in the club's senior academy.
"It was really helpful and I can't wait to get straight back into it. I'm working towards a debut but I'm not sure when that will come.
"I won't hold my breath, I'll just keep working hard and stay committed because I've got enough time. There's no rush."
That maturity is important when others are keen to mention his name in a department where Wales are already well stocked in this World Cup cycle. Steve Tandy used Lake, Belcher, Ryan Elias and Brodie Coghlan in 2025-26 and also called up Elliot Dee and Lloyd.
How does Howe view the Wales hype?
He does not let the speculation affect him. Under-20s prospects are earmarked for the Test team every year, but Howe is determined to keep his feet on the ground and focus on the next step rather than the bigger picture.
"You're only as good as your last game and you have to keep working hard,"he said.
"It has happened so many times, players have been built up and nothing comes of it.
"My parents have made sure to tell me to stay humble and treat everybody the way that you would like to be treated.
"You meet the same people on the way up as you do on the way down, so stay humble and stay committed to the craft, I guess."
Tom Howe started every game of the 2026 U20 Six Nations, and that run, along with his rise from junior to senior rugby last season, has helped him to refine his game. He has drawn inspiration from another mobile hooker and is working on both the physical and technical sides of the role.
Which players and coaches have shaped his development?
Howe says the way Dan Sheehan plays is a model he admires.
"The way that Dan Sheehan plays, he's almost like a back-rower playing in the front row,"said Howe.
"He is elusive, he has got big physicality and good skills.
"I enjoy that physical aspect, so being coached by [Cardiff coach and Wales Under-20s assistant] Josh Turnbull on the technical side of the contact has been great.
"I've got a nice balance because I have also enjoyed being coached by [Wales Under-20s head coach] Richard Whiffin to learn to move the ball, why and where."
Howe showed the results of that work at the Junior World Championship and will receive his marks for biology, psychology and PE this month. After that, the promising hooker will aim to make the grade at Cardiff.
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