Deaves' story can inspire next generation – Tandy

Ospreys flanker goes from roofer to Welsh Test debutant against All Blacks

- PHIL BLANCHE Press Association [e-mail]

THE fairytale rise of flanker Harri Deaves from roofer to international rugby player will inspire a generation, says Wales head coach Steve Tandy.

Deaves worked as a roofer during his early days at Ospreys when trying to forge a career in professional rugby.

Many observers considered the 24-year-old from Pontyclun too small to make it in an era filled with giants, but Deaves has proven those doubters wrong since the days he drove his van to Ospreys training sessions.

Deaves would leave the training ground to spend afternoons working on roofs until his breakthrough came at the Swansea-based region.

"He adds something to the group and you could see what it meant to the team when he was announced," Tandy said.

"What a story to go up against the All Blacks. Historically, what a team, and at home.