Thirty years ago, almost to the day, Young’s father Dai won his first international cap as a 19-year-old prop when he featured in the 16-3 World Cup quarter-final win over England.
Now, his son Thomas is the man in the limelight as he makes his Wales debut at Eden Park. Dad Dai, who coaches Thomas at Wasps, will be in Auckland to watch him in action.
“Dad did ask why I couldn’t have got my first cap closer to home, but he and my family will be very proud,” said Thomas Young. “My parents and two brothers are coming out for the game and my girlfriend is here already.
“When I found out I had been picked, I text my family. My parents are on the plane out here, so I’m not even sure if they know yet. They will have the message when they turn their phones on.”
Young has been an impressive performer for Wasps in the last 18 months and his stand-out displays saw him selected for Wales’ Six Nations squad last season. He’s had to bide his time before getting the chance to be involved, but has an opportunity to star against the Pacific Islanders.
“I was chuffed to bits to get called into the squad for the Six Nations,” Young said. “I learned a lot in that eight-week period training alongside some of the best back-row forwards in the world.
“I roomed with Justin Tipuric and he helped mentor me. I was able to pick his brains and learn how he goes about things. He and Sam Warburton are world-class and I try to play like them.”
With Warburton and Tipuric on British & Irish Lions duty, Young gets his chance. There are nine uncapped players in the Wales squad to face Tonga, three starting and six on the bench.
Wales’ clash with Tonga forms part of a double-header of fixtures in Auckland and is the curtain raiser to New Zealand’s tie with Samoa.
Young starts at openside, and he said: “Seeing your name go up on the board when the team is announced is a special feeling. It’s something I’m incredibly proud of.
“I don’t think it will hit home until after the game when I calm down a bit and realise I’ve got my first cap. I will be a bit nervous beforehand, but once I get out on the pitch I will be alright.
“There’s a lot of pride in the Wales jersey. Hopefully I can do it justice and put a marker down.”
