Shane Lewis-Hughes plans to follow in the footsteps of Sam Warburton in 2020 – and continue to come under his influence.
Cardiff Blues back row forward Lewis-Hughes grew up watching Warburton star for the region, Wales, and the British and Irish Lions and has already begun learning from the legendary former Wales captain, who is now part of the national coaching set-up under Wayne Pivac.
The latest forward tyro to come through the ranks at the Blues, 22-year-old Lewis-Hughes has set his sights on reaching the top of the game – just as Warburton did in a stunning career.
The flanker has signed a new three-year deal with the Blues after impressing this season and he was man of the match against the Ospreys and scored against the Dragons over Christmas.
He was part of Pivac’s Wales squad for the clash with the Barbarians in November which gave him a first experience of Test rugby and the chance to work with new consultant Warburton.
“Wales was a shock more than anything. I found out in a Blues team meeting and I thought one of the boys had edited it or something,” said Lewis-Hughes.
“It was good to pick people’s brains with Wales in terms of their experiences and learn from the environment.
“Sam is part of the coaching team now and was at the Blues not too far back so we had a chat. That’s my goal – I want to get to the very, very top and be one of the best like him.
“That’s where I want to be. Wales was challenging, hard, but something I really enjoyed and appreciated. I was glad I had the chance.”
Lewis-Hughes was a Wales Under-20 international, but he has come from nowhere this term with the Blues without Josh Navidi and Ellis Jenkins for long periods.
He admits he is still getting used to mixing with Welsh rugby’s elite.
“Justin Tipuric was in with Wales and I talked to the other back-row boys. I got a few tips on how they do things and I love things like that,” Lewis-Hughes added.
“I try not to get too star struck when I see these players as I grew up watching them play for Wales. If I think about where I’ve come from and I where I am now it is a bit strange, but all the hard work I’ve put in means I think I deserve to be here.
“But I’m not satisfied with where I am now and have to keep pushing.”
Back-to-back Christmas wins over the Ospreys and Dragons have given Blues head coach John Mulvihill a final flourish to 2019, as they look ahead to their derby clash at home to the Scarlets on January 3.
But his team need to find consistency, though, if they are to compete with the Pro14’s best more regularly.
The rugby the Blues played in their recent Challenge Cup win over Pau was sensational and must be used as the benchmark.
Their back-line is very dangerous with half-backs Tomos Williams and Jarrod Evans capable of lighting up games. The World Cup’s top try-scorer, Josh Adams, has carried on his form from Japan after moving to the capital region.
The Blues have realistic hope of reaching the Challenge Cup’s last eight, but Mulvihill will be looking at the Guinness Pro14’s Conference B and with an eye on a play-off spot.
If they can beat the Scarlets at home on Friday, then they will have real momentum.
After that, their next four Pro14 games are all winnable ties with Connacht, Benetton, Edinburgh and Zebre to come.
Blues supporters will also be heartened by the development of youngsters such as Lewis-Hughes and Ben Thomas, who should be the future of the region.
