Edwards relishing the chance to uphold legacy of the fabled No.10 shirt

FOLLOWING in the footsteps of the likes of Barry John, Phil Bennett, and Jonathan Davies might seem a daunting task.

- SIMON THOMAS Rugby writer [e-mail]

But it’s something Dan Edwards takes huge pride in, and he’s determined not to let that legacy down.

The 22-year-old is the man currently in possession of the famous Wales No 10 jersey, having started the last game, against Japan, which brought an end to an 18-match losing run.

Now he will be looking to hold on to the shirt through his performances for the Ospreys in the BKT URC over the coming weeks.

There can be a lot of pressure on the Wales fly-half given the level of expectation created by all the big names who have occupied the position, with Lions stars Neil Jenkins, Stephen Jones, and Dan Biggar among those to do so in more recent times.

But rather than feeling the weight of history, Edwards is inspired by it and relishes being the latest person to pull on the revered jersey.

“I take pride in it, especially with the players who have worn it before,” he says.

“You don’t want to let the shirt down or let that type of legacy down.

“It’s really good to have had those players before you wearing the jersey.

“Hopefully, you can put the jersey on again and do good in it.

“There are a lot of contenders for the position, and that’s the way you want it to be. Competition only makes you better and drives you on a lot more.

“I am really excited to firstly play well for the Ospreys and put my marker down and hopefully get a shout of getting selected again.”

Another gifted international he is following on from is 81-cap former Wales fly-half James Hook, who is now part of the Ospreys coaching staff.