sport news Rookie centre Hawkins seeks to build on his rapid rise after impressing new ... trends now
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There has not been much to cheer about in Welsh rugby so far this year, but the emergence of Joe Hawkins as a potentially long-term midfield option has been one cause for joy.
Ospreys centre Hawkins, 20, made his Test debut against Australia in November and won only his second cap in Wales’ opening Six Nations defeat by Ireland last weekend.
He is set to retain his place in Warren Gatland’s side for Saturday’s trip to Scotland when it is confirmed on Thursday.
On what was a disappointing day for Wales and head coach Gatland against Ireland, Hawkins provided some nice touches. He wasn’t perfect, but you wouldn’t expect him to be just yet.
‘Personally, I was happy overall. I tried to get involved in the game as much as possible,’ Hawkins said. ‘I have always tried to be as rounded as possible. The way the game is going you can't be too one-dimensional. I like to ball play, but you have got to be able to bash it up a little bit as well.
The emergence of Joe Hawkins has provided a much-needed boost for Wales
‘All the youngsters are keen to get involved, train hard, and maybe give the senior boys a bit of a boost. On the field, it would probably be quite easy to go within yourself a little bit. But if you want to compete with the players in the camp, you have got to try and be bold and be vocal.’
Hawkins might only have two international caps, but they have each come under different head coaches. His bow against Australia came in
