Harri Deaves is making waves at the Ospreys! This tenacious backrower is already a firm fan favourite and his reputation is skyrocketing. Few backed the Ospreys against the Bulls, yet they put up a thrilling fight in Pretoria, scoring a whopping 40 points. Deaves, the man of the match, was unstoppable with 17 tackles, two try assists, and 22 post-contact metres.
Praise is rolling in from all sides. Welsh rugby legend Shane Williams called him an “absolute dog,” while Adam Jones dubbed him “phenomenal” and a “nightmare to play against.” Despite his rising star status, Deaves remains rooted in his hometown. He’s deeply involved with Pontyclun RFC, where he coaches and supports local teams passionately, describing the club as having a “pretty good set-up.”
Deaves had to overcome being underestimated due to his size, showcasing that heart and determination often trump strength. He credits his resilience and tenacity to his roots at Pontyclun, saying, “It’s about making my village proud.”
And things are only getting better for Deaves. Being mentored by Wales legend Justin Tipuric is invaluable, with Deaves calling him a “hero” and a “surreal human” on and off the pitch. As the openside flanker position heats up in Welsh rugby, Ospreys head coach Mark Jones insists Deaves deserves a spot in the international spotlight. “He beats defenders and wins collisions in his own way,” says Jones.
While Deaves competes with top talents like Jac Morgan and Tommy Reffell, his impact on the pitch and his club’s community is unmatched. With his calculated yet fearless playing style, he’s the kind of player that elevates everyone around him.
Deaves captures the essence of grit, heart, and dedication. Keep an eye on this rising cult hero because his journey’s just getting started! 🏉✨