Alun Wyn Jones has a mini-me who will could play alongside him for Wales this autumn.
The junior model is Rory Thornton, the one of two young uncapped Ospreys named by Rob Howley this week for the four Tests in November.
Like fellow new boy Sam Davies, Thornton rose to prominence in the Wales U20s side and captain them at the Junior World Cup in Italy last year.
Thornton, 21, is actually two inches taller than Jones but a stone lighter, but he plays in the same position, he came through the same junior club, and he is shadowing his mentor every step of the way at the Ospreys.
The 6ft 7in 18st youngster used to gaze at Jones’ picture on the clubhouse wall when he played for Bonymaen Under 8s and says: “Being a second row, Alun gives me more time than perhaps other people.
“He also provides me with feedback about how I’m doing. It’s not just one thing – but tips on everything.
“It might be where I put my feet when I’m in a scrum, or how I did in a training routine. He has done so much in his career.
“He’s one of the best in the world. In fact, he may actually be the best in the world. Then, I can get advice from other like Dan Lydiate and Duncan Jones. It’s a great environment in which to learn.”
Thornton could follow the likes of Jones, Malcolm Dacey and Richard Webster, who all began at Bonymaen before going on to play for Wales.
“It can be a tough place to play rugby – renowned for the wind, the rain and the cold. My old man tells me stories of how Webby used to put bricks in a back pack and run up Kilvey Hill. He was such a tough character, mentally.”
