There weren’t many positives from Wales’ 36-5 loss to Ireland in Musgrave Park last Saturday.

The one shining light in that defeat, and the only name on Wales’ side of the scoresheet, was that of debutant Gwennan Hopkins who came on in the final 20 minutes to score her side’s sole try of the game.

Rarely has there been such anticipation for a 19-year-old to make their debut but anyone who caught just a glimpse of this years’ Celtic Challenge will have known that Hopkins is a huge prospect.

The former Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr student, captained Cardiff under 18s last year and shone for Gwalia Lightning in the recent Celtic Challenge, earning her place in Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham’s squad.

Hopkins says she managed to celebrate her debut with her teammates despite the result.

“It’s bittersweet because of the result but it’s my dream and regardless of the score I can take it and be proud,” said Hopkins.

“It felt like dream, one I’ve had since I was about four or five.

“Looking back, it went so fast, seeing my family in the crowd was the biggest moment for me and going over on my first cap – you can’t complain with that!

“I thought I was going to be a lot more nervous than I was, when I went out I felt this fulfilment which I’ve not really experienced before and it was incredible.

“I would love to have won but you can’t change anything about the past and I loved it.”

Hopkins is one of 12 amongst Wales’ Six Nations squad who are at Gloucester-Hartpury and will have surely benefitted from that familiarity.

Her Hartpury College teammates are preparing for a BUCS final on Wednesday whilst Hopkins is enjoying her life with the national side.

One of Hopkins’ coaches at BUCS level is Bethan Lewis who started at eight for Wales against Ireland, while many are comparing Wales’ most recent debutant to the recently retired Sioned Harries.

Hopkins however is intent on winding her own path through history.

“Sioned Harries has been brilliant in the game,” said Hopkins.

“I was really privileged to play against her in her last game with Gwalia Lightning as well and she’s a class player, someone I’ve watched and anyone would want a career like her.

“She’s been inspiring, but I want to be my own player, create my own legacy and hopefully I can do that in the near future.”

Unlike Harries, who came through during a period where there were limited pathway opportunities, Hopkins has benefitted from playing for girls teams at local age grade levels along with regional and national sides.

In doing so, Hopkins has played alongside the likes of fellow debutants during this years’ Six Nations like Molly Reardon and Sian Jones

“I’ve been so lucky in the sense I always find myself to have the opportunity,” said Hopkins.

“I was in the first u18s, first u20s and the first Celtic Challenge, it’s such a privilege. What’s incredible about it is I can work with people and explain what’s worked and hasn’t.

“Playing for Wales has always been my goal and the mindset of the youngsters coming through is that we all know what we want, we’re all on the same page.

“One of the best things about the pathway is how close we get to be on field and off-field, going away to these festivals, creating those partnerships, it’s so important.”

Hopkins has benefitted from some expert coaching along the way too including former Wales captain Catrin Edwards who was her coach and P.E. teacher at school.

Hopkins is fortunate to be able to call upon her along with others to support her on her journey to rugby’s elite level.

“Catrin Edwards commented on the game on the weekend,” said Hoplins.

“When I made the decision to leave school for Hartpury, she was a massive part of that.

“I’ve got a picture with her from 2016 when she was playing for Wales and hopefully one day we can recreate that picture, she’s always been amazing always there for me if I want to call her if I have any questions.

“My family friends are amazing and they’ve supported me through and through.

“When I won my cap I felt I had achieved something for me but my family as well, they’ve been taking me to training since I was four or five years old and to celebrate with them has been massive for me.”