Three years on from his last Six Nations appearance, the Scarlets and Wales centre is back in red and preparing to face Scotland at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.
Hawkins is comfortable in the knowledge that his decision to join Exeter Chiefs, even though it cost him a place at the 2023 World Cup, has ultimately made him a better player.
The former Ospreys player moved to Devon and triggered Welsh rugby’s 25-cap selection rule, rendering him ineligible at the time and ruling him out of World Cup contention.
For a 23-year-old widely regarded as one of the country’s brightest midfield prospects, it was a significant sacrifice.
But asked whether he wishes he had stayed in Wales to secure a plane ticket to France, his answer is unequivocal.
“Not at all, to be honest,” he says.
“Don't get me wrong it was always a bit tough watching Wales during international windows while I was down in Exeter.
“But the playing experience and life experience I had from moving down there has put me in good stead coming back.
“I'm still only 23 so, touch wood, I've got a few good years ahead of me. I think that experience will be useful for the rest of my career.”
That broader perspective will be vital on Saturday when Wales attempt to halt their recent Six Nations slide against a Scotland side boasting one of the most settled and dangerous midfields in Europe.
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Scotland suffered a surprise defeat away to Italy in the opening roind of the tournament, but quickly cast aside any lingering self-doubts to run England ragged at Murrayfield before winning, 31-20.
At the heart of thor back line threat are British & Irish Lions trio Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones — a combination Hawkins clearly admires.
“Tuipulotu's obviously a powerful ball carrier, but he's got nice subtle skills as well. Huw Jones has got a bit of gas and some nice running lines, so they complement each other well.”
Of the mercurial Russell, Hawkins adds: “He speaks for himself, doesn't he. What he's done at Bath, what he’s done with Scotland. He's obviously a good player.
“He's got a good passing game and obviously a good kicking game. He seems to just play what he sees, really, which is to play off instinct, which I think is good for any player.”
Wales’ midfield combinations have been less settled in recent seasons, but Hawkins sees opportunity rather than disadvantage.
“We've had quite a few combinations. Whoever gets the chance to play, I'm sure will be looking forward to testing themselves against a Lions partnership. Whoever gets that chance will be right up for it.
“Regardless of opposition, you're always trying to do that. It's a good opportunity to test yourself against some top players.”
Wales may be going through a near three-year losing sequence in the Six Nations, but for Hawkins personally, simply being back in the championship is significant.
“A big part in me coming back to Wales was to try and be part of the Welsh squad and to play in competitions like this.
“I don't think there is a better international competition than the Six Nations. It's been amazing being back involved and feeling that matchday buzz.”
His development in Exeter, he believes, sharpened both his mentality and his game. Competing for a starting place in a demanding Premiership environment forced him out of the comfort zone he admits he had previously inhabited.
“It's probably quite old school in Exeter. The culture there is really good and quite old school in that sense. It's a lot about you work hard for what you get.
“Nothing happens by chance, you've got to go and make it happen. So I think that side of things really developed for me because probably up until that point in my career, I'd pretty much been like on an upward trajectory.
“So it was a good challenge for me in the sense where I was obviously battling to get my spot in the team, keep my spot in the team. On the training pitch as well, that culture of working hard really drove that in me.”
That edge may be needed against Scotland’s inventive attack. Wales conceded 19 line breaks against France in their last outing, leading to eight tries and exposing defensive frailties Hawkins knows must be addressed.
Wales, under a relatively new coaching group, are attempting to evolve their own attacking identity.
“We talk a lot about being a team that can excite the nation. We are a little bit inconsistent in doing that at the minute. But that’s the nature of having a new coaching team coming in that is looking to charge the style of play.
“A lot of the best teams in the world believe in their style of game and wouldn’t change. France double down on that and they are one of the best in the world.
“After a couple of disappointing results it’s not the time to go away from what is working, or going to work, for us moving forward. We just need to keep banging the drum.”
“It's just nice for the boys to get a chance to go again. The Six Nations is a bit different this year without a fallow week now.
“It’s a good thing for us is to get stuck into another game week, another chance to try and get better, and put a performance on the pitch.”
Improvement may come again, but most Wales fans would be suprised if it finally brings a victory.
