'It's surreal', says Belcher as he starts new season as a Welsh international

IAM Belcher never gave up on his dream of playing for Wales, but there were times when he questioned whether it would ever happen.

- SIMON THOMAS.

Not least of those was the period when he found himself without a club and unemployed, while recent years have seen him miss out on squad selection despite his consistent form for Cardiff Rugby.

But now, at the age of 29, the stalwart hooker has finally fulfilled his ambition, having made his Test debut against Japan over the summer, going on to share in the win which ended an 18-match losing run for the national side.

So, as he prepares to take on the Lions in Saturday night’s BKT URC opener at the Arms Park, it's a case of Liam Belcher, Welsh international. How does that sound?

“Surreal is the word you could use, I guess,” he replies.

“It’s obviously great for me and my family.

“Pride is probably the biggest emotion. It’s something I have always dreamed of. I think everyone who picks up a rugby ball wants to play for their country. So it was more the fulfillment of accomplishing that.

“It was quite emotional, more so for the second Test because my parents were both out there for that game, along with my brother and sister-in-law. Seeing them in the crowd at the anthem was probably more tearful than the first Test.

“I think it’s always a dream, but there were times along the way in my journey where I thought ‘Right, that’s probably not going to happen now; with setbacks and not getting pictured for certain squads where I thought I might have a decent chance. I was thinking that is my chance, and it’s gone.

“So getting selected took me by surprise, to be honest. It’s a roller-coaster, I would say.”