mens
United-rugby-championship
Try the Machine Tom Bowen has a simple message for all the lesser players in the game: “Get back”.
At 5 feet 7 inches and 11. 11 lbs, the Cardiff Rugby the winger dwarfs some of the giants on the track, but stands tall with his performances.
He scored a couple of tries in last Friday’s 47-27 bonus point win Zebras Parma at the Arms Park, taking his tally to 13 from 21 appearances in all competitions for the club.
Wales Legend Shane Williams was on hand at the BKT URC match to see the youngster’s double and there are clear echoes of the big man in Bowen, not just in terms of size, but pace and flair in the side.
That dazzling footwork was evident in the 20-year-old’s finish on his first attempt as he got inside one defender before handing another to touch down.
Speaking about watching Williams, Bowen said: “I think we’re pretty similar in terms of our stature and stuff.
“Look, I think for us shorter and smaller guys, the main thing is to really come back, especially against bigger guys.
“The Zebras are a big team and you just have to back yourself, get your instincts back and really go for it.”
Commenting on his two-try contribution to the win that lifted Cardiff to second in the BKT URC table, he said: “I just love my rugby and I’m grateful for all the opportunities I have, especially in such an important year for the club, the 150th.
“I feel really lucky to be honest.
“It was good to be back at home in front of the fans. It was a good response and we hope to continue.”
Wales U20’s Bowen is clearly a hugely exciting talent, which was recognized by being named the BKT URC Next-Gen Player last season following a media vote.
“It was very unexpected to be honest,” he says.
“It was such a good award to win, especially in a league with so many talented youngsters.
“I was really proud and privileged to win it.
“It’s something I can do now this season and hopefully I can back it up.”
Bowen was also voted Cardiff’s Breakthrough Player of the Season and Supporters’ Player of the Season as his stunning play-off effort clinched victory over DHL Stormers at the Arms Park was voted the club’s try of the season.
“I was overjoyed with those awards,” he says.
“The whole season was so enjoyable.
“It was a pretty special year, getting into the BKT URC play-offs for the first time, making history for Cardiff.
“It was nice for the group and that’s what we deserved.
“For me, the breakthrough in the season we had was special.”
Reflecting on the start of his senior career, he says: “I really enjoyed it.
“The first few years flew by. I just wanted to take every opportunity I had with both hands.”
As for the season ahead, Bowen said: “I’m just focused on getting minutes for Cardiff and keeping my performances going and building on last year.
“I’m constantly learning every practice and every game. The goal is just to get better every week.
“I had a taste of what it’s like to get regular playing time, so that’s a motivation this year as well, to play even more.”
“It’s the club I grew up at. I’m a local boy and it’s my home club.”
“There’s no better feeling than running into the Arms Park when it’s full. I just love playing there.”
“It’s an amazing feeling. When the fans come out in full force, the guys really love it. The crowd was amazing.”
After winning the first round 21-15 away from home Scarlets with a bonus-point win at home to Zebre, second-placed Cardiff now face a showdown in Dublin against the league champions Leinster Rugby this Saturday.
“We’re two out of two and now we have a big one next weekend,” Bowen said.
“We want to build on what we put out last season, turning a few away games into wins and pushing for the home quarter-finals in the BKT URC.”