Teenage sensation Tom Bowen insists he is not getting carried away despite being the BKT United Rugby Championship’s joint top try scorer.
The 19-year-old wing crossed twice in Cardiff’s 14-8 victory over Connacht at the Arms Park, adding to his hat-trick against Munster the week before.
That means he is now level on five touchdowns with Benetton’s Louis Lynagh at the top of the league’s try chart.
Despite his tender years, his scintillating form means he is sure to be touted as a contender for a place in Wales’ autumn international squad.
But the young man is keeping his dazzling feet firmly on the ground.
“I am just loving my rugby at the moment. It’s class. I am really enjoying it,” he said.
“I am not going to get carried away with anything. I am staying grounded.
“Cardiff is my home region. I love playing for them, I love putting the jersey on and I am just really grateful to be getting the opportunities I am having.
“The least I can do is just grab them with both hands and try my best really.”
READ MORE: No Victory But in the Gloom of Welsh Rugby, Cardiff’s Tom Bowen Proves There is Still Some Light
Aberdare product Bowen - who now has seven tries from his four career URC starts - produced a neat finish for his first against Connacht, stepping inside a defender after pouching a pinpoint cross kick from fly-half Callum Sheedy,
“Fair play to Sheeds, he is on the money every time,” he said.
“Credit to him, he reads the game extremely well. He reads the picture, he creates the space, and he makes my job a lot easier, putting those kicks on the money.
“He is the assist king! He suits how we play. He’s really good, he’s class.
“We had quite a young back line out there and the way he conducts us round the field, he deserves a lot of credit for what he does.”
Bowen clinched Cardiff’s hard-fought win by scorching away for a long-range interception try four minutes from time, celebrating with a gleeful swallow dive.
“It was just relief really to finish that off,” he said.
“It was a nerve-racking game out there. It could have gone either way. But credit to the boys, they stuck in there. I thought our fight was incredible.”
The one big downside to the victory over Connacht was the serious ankle injury sustained by Wales lock Teddy Williams who was stretchered off shortly before half-time.
“I am absolutely gutted for him,” said Bowen.
“He’s a great lad and very influential on the whole team.
“His presence around has a massive effect. He is a class player.
“I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery.”
Cardiff now lie fourth in the URC table with 11 points from their opening three matches.
“If you had said that in pre-season, I think we would have bit your hand off, to be honest with you,” said Bowen.
“We have got to be really pleased with how we have started the season. The important thing is we keep performing well and keep picking up points in each game.”
READ MORE: Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl Insists There’s Far More to Come After Opening Victory
Asked about Bowen’s proespects of making a Wales breakthrough this autumn, Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl said: "The way he goes about his business, I've got no real concerns or worries about that [talk].
"He is down to earth and keeps working to get better. I don't know what Wales will do and who is available but he has a bright future ahead of him.
“Tom waited for his opportunity. He just loves getting into space and he finished them again.
“There’s one from the cross-kick and one from a turnover from our defence, which was very pleasing to see.”
READ MORE: Cardiff's Liam Belcher Reveals Playing For Wales was a Dream fulfilled
Next up for Cardiff is the first Welsh derby of the season which will se van Zyl’s team travel to Rodney Parade, before returning home to face Edinburgh.
Van Zyl added: “The six-day turnaround is tough, especially for us playing so late on a Saturday night.
“So, we’ll have to be smart in what we’re doing terms of training and recovery. Ultimately it’s a derby game is there’s going to be a lot of fight in there.”
