Scarlets starlet Lee Rees is hoping his Sevens exploits for Wales in 2009 can help catapult him to further glory with the Under-20 set-up in 2010.
Going back to the country where Wales were crowned Sevens World Champions earlier in the year, Rees helped the new-look side lift the Dubai Sevens Bowl earlier in December.
And after been named in Phil Davies’ Under-20 squad for the coming Six Nations, Rees is determined to put his big-game experience to good use.
“Just playing out there is giving me so much experience as a player,” he said. “I feel I have grown a lot as a player. I feel much more confident performing under pressure and in front of crowds.
“Returning from Dubai where it is 30degrees, it was a bit of a shock to the system to come back to Wales. It was a hell of a difference to say the least.
“I had a great experience out there but now I need to knuckle down here.
“Half the Under-20 squad has got the experience from playing in last year’s tournament. We want to win every game but we know that’s going to be hard.
“Personally I want to get into the starting XV on a regular basis.”
Although nominally a full-back, the Scarlets are experimenting with using Rees at scrum-half.
And as long as he gets his break in the senior regional set-up, Rees revealed he does not mind where is playing.
He said: “When I came into the set-up I was a full-back because of my speed but playing at scrum-half is definitely something the coaches wants me to work on.
“It is one of those things if you don’t put in the work now, I won’t be able to convert to a scrum-half later in my career.
“I am constantly speaking to the senior players and advice from people like scrum-half Lee Williams, who has been in my position, is invaluable.
“I know I will have to be patient before I am playing first XV rugby for the Scarlets but I am happy to wait my turn for my chance.”
