Jump to main content

Navidi eager to impress

Navidi eager to impress

Cardiff Blues flanker Josh Navidi is hoping to get his first taste of International rugby this June and is eager to show what he can do.

Share this page:

The 22-year-old openside flanker is part of Robin McBryde’s 27-man squad that will face Japan in two tests in the coming weeks and Navidi is determined to take his opportunity with Wales.

“I’m just really eager to get out and play for Wales,” he said.

“It would be a huge honour to be awarded my first cap and I want to show what I can do on the International stage.

“It would mean everything to me and it’s what every boy dreams about, it’s what you want from the first moment you play.”

“Obviously I was disappointed not to make the initial 27-man squad and my view at the time was not to dwell on it and let it get me down but just to carry on doing what I was doing and continue to learn.

“Now though, I have got the opportunity to go and I’m determined to take my chance.

“My friends and family are delighted and I’m just excited to get the chance to show what I can do.”

In 2009 Sam Warburton, Jonathan Davies and Richard Hibbard, all of whom are part of the 2013 British and Irish Lions squad, all made an impact on Wales’ summer tour to America and Canada and Navidi knows it’s an opportunity for him to do the same this time around.

“It’s a huge opportunity.

“It’s a chance to really put your hand up and make your presence felt. It’s been done before and it’s a chance to do it
again.

“It’s a great environment to be involved with and it just makes you want more of it. You want to keep working hard, keep developing and keep getting these experiences.

“The professionalism and work ethic in the squad is great.  You are continually learning and trying to raise the bar and it’s a setting you thrive in.”

The former Wales Under 20 captain has racked up 23 appearances for the Blues this season and the tour to the Far East concludes a good personal campaign according to Navidi.

“On a personal level I have had more game time this season, I’ve improved and been part of Wales squads so it has been a good season,” he added.

“From a Blues point of view we have things to work on next year but I’m excited by it.  We have got a year under our belts together as a squad and we will build on it and move forward. We have a great set-up, some great young players coming through and next season will be a big one for us.”

Partners and Suppliers

Principal Partners
Principality
Official Broadcast Partners
BBC Cymru/Wales
S4C
Official Partners
Heineken
Isuzu
Guinness