When Josh Hathaway takes to the field to face Australia on Saturday, he will be making personal and sporting history.

Hathaway is set to make his debut for Wales in one of six personnel changes to the Wales side which lost 41-13 to South Africa at Twickenham.

Hathaway was born in Aberystwyth and attended Ysgol Penglais whilst playing for Aberystwyth RFC but has represented Wales and England’s under 20’s.

Wales Wary Of Recent History

A cynic could look at his debut and think that it is merely an attempt to cap the 20-year-old, tying him down to the three feathers rather than the red rose.

This could be as a direct reaction to the situation which saw Immanuel Feyi-Waboso opt for England over Wales ahead this year’s Six Nations.

However, for Aberystwyth RFC club chair Nerys Hywel, the club would support Hathaway regardless of which nation he chose.

“For the club it’s massive, he’s only the second player to play for the club who’s gone on to play for Wales,” said Hywel.

“Our only other player was Bill Morris who made his debut against Scotland in 1963 so that makes it 61 years since our last player.

“We’re right on the edge of the Scarlets region here and that shows how big a commitment it was for Josh, travelling two hours each way to go to the academy every week.

“We’ll definitely have a celebration when he’s back. He’s put the club on the map and everyone is proud of what he’s achieved.

“The hard work and dedication that has gone into him becoming an international all started here, and we’ll support him no matter what!”

Rugby runs thicker than water

“I’ve known Josh since he was a baby,” said Aberystwyth club chair Nerys Hywel.

“His dad Darren played for the blub with my husband and then Josh joined the club at under sevens.

“Darren was the main coach of the youth teams and Josh stayed with us until under 16s when he joined Hartpury College.

“He’s still close to a number of the boys here and every time he’s home he comes and watches the team play, he hasn’t forgotten his roots.”

During his youth, Hathaway played for Ceredigion schools and was part of the Scarlets academy, going on to earn a cap for Wales U20’s in the final game of the 2022 Six Nations against Italy.

“He always had lots of speed,” said Hywel.

“Josh being picked for the youth side a year early because he was rapid on the wing or at full-back.

“He stood out in every team for his ability, and he was always one was determined to succeed in what he wanted to do once he’d set his mind to it.”

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Louis Rees-Zammit 2.0

In the summer of 2022 Hathaway joined Hartpury College, signing a three-year contract with Gloucester rugby and switched his allegiance to England U20s, playing for them in the 2023 Six Nations.

There he played alongside the likes of England international Chandler Cunningham-South.

Hathaway scored a hattrick of tries in round one against Scotland, along with setting up two tries and scoring another against Wales during a 21-37 win for the English, showcasing the skills which have earnt him a rapid rise through the ranks to international level.

Hathaway also made his Gloucester debut that season in the Premiership Rugby Cup at fullback but this year he has enjoyed a breakout year for the cherry and whites.

Stepping into the void left by Louis Rees-Zammit’s departure from Kingsholm to the NFL, Hathaway has made 19 appearances in all competitions scoring eight tries including another hattrick, this time against the might of Saracens.

Indeed, the similarities with Rees-Zammit extend further merely than being a Welsh, Hartpury College graduates who has played for Gloucester.

Six of Hathaway’s eight tries this season have come after a kick ahead by himself or a teammate, utilising his pace to get on the end for opportunistic scores.

For his other two scores, one was an interception in that hattrick against Sarries whilst the other saw him step through the middle of Newcastle’s defence, his blue scrum cap scything through for the final try in a 54-14 win.

Got Gatland’s Backing

On Hathaway, Wales head coach Warren Gatland said: “We wanted to create more strength in depth.”

“Moving Liam back to fullback keeps some experience on the field and Hathaway has looked really sharp in training.

“We know what excellent attacking skills he’s got, we’ve worked hard on him defensively and he’s trained really well so to get him in a red jersey is something we wanted to do.

“It’s a great opportunity for him and some of his family are coming down for the game. For his first cap it’s a pretty special place to be.”

While he should expect an aerial test when he faces a new-look Australia, Hathaway will also hope to take advantage of any opportunities that may arise, and showcase the speed which has shone to great effect since those days down the wings at Aberystwyth.