Dafydd Jenkins (rugby union)

Dafydd Jenkins (born 5 December 2002) is a Welsh international rugby union player currently playing for Premiership Rugby side Exeter Chiefs as a Lock. Jenkins has represented Wales and Wales U20.

For other people named Dafydd Jenkins, see Dafydd Jenkins (disambiguation).

Dafydd Jenkins
Birth nameDafydd Jenkins
Date of birth (2002-12-05) 5 December 2002
Place of birthBridgend, Wales
Height201 cm (6 ft 7 in)
Weight117 kg (18 st 6 lb; 258 lb)
SchoolPorthcawl Comprehensive School, Hartpury College
UniversityUniversity of Exeter
Rugby union career
Position(s) Lock
Current team Exeter Chiefs
Youth career
Porthcawl RFC
Ospreys
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2021– Exeter Chiefs 28 ((0))
Correct as of 30 April 2023
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2021–2022 Wales U20 4 (0)
2022– Wales 12 (0)
Correct as of 18 March 2023

Club career

Born in Bridgend, Jenkins began playing rugby for Porthcawl RFC juniors, where he progressed through the age groups.[1] Jenkins attended Porthcawl Comprehensive School before transferring to Hartpury College, where he also played rugby.[1] Prior to leaving Wales, Jenkins was part of the Ospreys academy.[2] While playing for Hartpury, Jenkins was contacted by Exeter head coach Rob Baxter, and he linked up with their team in 2021.[1]

Jenkins studies sports sciences at the University of Exeter. He has played for their rugby team in the BUCS Super Rugby tournament, and was named man of the match when Exeter won the tournament, defeating Durham 14–13, scoring a try in the final.[3]

On 13 November 2021, Jenkins made his Exeter Chiefs debut in the Premiership Rugby Cup defeat to Bristol.[4] On 15 January 2022, Jenkins appeared as a replacement in the Champions Cup victory over Glasgow.[5]

Jenkins first Premiership start came in the Round 15 defeat to Wasps on 5 February 2022.[6][7]

On 12 November 2022, Jenkins set the Premiership record as youngest player named captain, at 19 years and 342 days old, in a victory over London Irish.[8]

International career

Jenkins was called up to the Wales under-20 squad for the first time ahead of the 2021 Six Nations Under 20s Championship, making his debut in the 25–8 victory over Italy.[9] On 28 January 2022, Jenkins was again called into the Wales under-20 squad for the upcoming 2022 Six Nations Under 20s Championship.[10]

On 14 November 2022, Jenkins was called up for Wales as injury cover in the 2022 Autumn Internationals.[11]

Jenkins made his international debut on 19 November 2022, coming off the bench against Georgia.[12]

On 17 January 2023, Jenkins was named in the Wales squad for the 2023 Six Nations Championship.[13] He made his Six Nations debut on 4 February 2023, coming off the bench against Ireland.[14] The following week, Jenkins made his first start for Wales, against Scotland.[15]

Personal life

Jenkins is the son of Hywel Jenkins, who played as a back row for Swansea and Neath. Hywel represented Wales A and Wales in an uncapped match against the United States, but did not attain a full senior cap.[2]

References
  1. "Hotshot: Exeter Chiefs lock Dafydd Jenkins". Rugby World. 30 August 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  2. Orders, Mark (30 June 2021). "Talented Wales teen signed by Exeter and just played first 80-minute game". WalesOnline. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  3. "Dafydd Jenkins: Ten things you should know about the Wales second row". Rugby World. 2 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  4. Evely, John (13 November 2021). "Exeter Chiefs v Bristol Bears LIVE updates from Sandy Park". BristolLive.
  5. "Exeter run rampant in eight-try victory" – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  6. "Odogwu double helps Wasps pinch win at Exeter" – via www.bbc.com.
  7. "Chiefs 26 Wasps 27". www.exeterchiefs.co.uk.
  8. Evely, John (15 November 2022). "Exeter Chiefs teenage lock Dafydd Jenkins set for Wales debut". DevonLive. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
  9. "Preview: Wales Under-20s v Italy Under-20s". Six Nations Rugby.
  10. "Jenkins returns to Wales U20s squad". www.exeterchiefs.co.uk.
  11. "Wales call up two uncapped players as Will Rowlands and Dan Lydiate ruled out of autumn". Wales Online. 14 November 2022. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  12. "Georgia shock Wales with victory in Cardiff". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 November 2022.
  13. "Owens captains new 37-man Wales squad - Welsh Rugby Union". Welsh Rugby Union | Wales & Regions. 17 January 2023. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
  14. Evely, John (31 January 2023). "Exeter Chiefs' youngster Dafydd Jenkins earns place in Wales' Six Nations squad". DevonLive. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
  15. "Wales Six Nations: Dafydd Jenkins, Christ Tshiunza, Tommy Reffell in; Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric, Taulupe Faletau dropped". Sky Sports. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
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