**Wales’ New Fly-Half Shows Leadership Beyond His Years – And His Coach Is Impressed**
As Wales gear up to face Japan in Kobe this weekend, there is both excitement and scrutiny around their new starting fly-half, Dan Edwards. Tasked with wearing the iconic number 10 shirt for the first time at senior Test level, Edwards finds himself in a spotlight that has overwhelmed many before him. Yet the Osprey’s star appears remarkably unphased as he prepares for this pivotal opportunity on the international stage.
The 22-year-old has only two brief substitute appearances during this year’s Six Nations to his name, but already there is considerable anticipation about what he might bring to a team eager to turn the tide. The Wales camp is still coming to terms with turbulent changes following Warren Gatland’s mid-tournament departure; a scenario that has left the squad searching for stability and inspiration. Amidst the chaos, Edwards’ emergence represents a welcome narrative of promise and self-assuredness.
Interim head coach Matt Sherratt has not disguised his admiration for the young half-back’s composure, despite limited experience at this level. “He just seems unflustered by everything around him,” Sherratt remarked when asked about Edwards’ temperament. It is this cool-headedness that sets the fly-half apart in a high-pressure setting – a quality not easily taught.
To illustrate Edwards’ confidence, Sherratt recounted a recent training ground episode that left a lasting impression. During a practice session against the Ospreys earlier this season, Sherratt requested that Edwards execute a specific type of kick-off. The response, however, was not what he expected. “I asked him to kick long and right, but he replied matter-of-factly that they’d be kicking down the middle that week,” Sherratt recalled with a smile. “Despite my instruction, he stuck to his guns – and kicked down the middle anyway. It was something that would have made the likes of Dan Biggar or Gareth Anscombe proud.”
Rather than being frustrated by this act of independence, the coach found it refreshing, seeing it as an indication of leadership and conviction. “As a 10, you sometimes need that spikiness,” Sherratt observed. “You have to be able to look your forwards in the eye and answer their questions with complete certainty. Edwards has that edge.”
In the world of international rugby, confidence can be a double-edged sword. But, according to Sherratt, Edwards balances his assertiveness with a willingness to listen and learn – an attribute the coach believes is vital for growth. “He’s a nice lad, not cocky,” he said. “But he’s got an opinion, and he stands by it.”
The qualities that have caught Sherratt’s eye go beyond temperament alone. From a technical standpoint, Edwards has demonstrated a skill set that equips him well for the demands of modern rugby. “He’s a triple threat – he can run, pass and kick,” Sherratt explained. Notably, the coach admitted he had not realised just how quick Edwards was until seeing him in action during the current training camp, acknowledging the extra dimension this brings to the Welsh attack.
In a squad in transition, the emergence of a confident, multi-faceted playmaker could not be more timely. Wales are searching for a new identity and for players able to step into leadership roles. As football manager Craig Bellamy recently told the rugby team, they must embrace the challenge of ending their winless streak and seize the excitement of being the one to make a difference.
While it is still early days in Edwards’ international career, the signs are promising. “Time will tell,” Sherratt stressed, conscious of the pressure and expectation that comes with the number 10 shirt. For now, though, there is a sense of cautious optimism that, with the right guidance, Edwards could grow into the pivotal figure Wales have been lacking.
As the national side prepares for a testing challenge in Kobe, all eyes will be on their new fly-half. For Edwards, it represents not only a personal milestone but also an opportunity to inject renewed vigour into Welsh rugby at a time when resilience and belief have never been more essential.