Family affair for Wales' Owens
Wales hooker Ken Owens may be making his first Test start against England in the Six Nations this weekend but as far as he’s concerned he’s not even the best player in his family.
And spectators at Twickenham will have the chance to see if he is right when 22-year-old younger sister Vicky, a lock, runs out for Wales women in their Six Nations international against England at Twickenham some 30 minutes after the corresponding men’s match on the same ground has finished.
“It will be a huge moment for us both, and will make it much easier on our mum and dad for travel,” said Ken Owens.
“Two weeks ago they missed the first 15 minutes of my game [against Scotland] at the Millennium Stadium because they had been watching Vicky play against Scotland at Cross Keys,” the 25-year-old explained.
“It’s just great that Vicky is doing so well for herself.
“She is probably the best player in the family, and if I can put in a good performance at Twickenham then maybe we can make it another double by both playing against Italy next month,” he said.
The Owens’ father, Delme, added: “It will be such a proud day for the family.
“It doesn’t get much better than watching your son and daughter play for Wales against England on the same pitch and on the same day.
“The phone has been red hot with people ringing for tickets – the entire family wants to come.”
Barely six months ago Ken Owens was probably the fifth-choice hooker in Wales behind Matthew Rees, Huw Bennett, Lloyd Burns and Richard Hibbard.
But following three appearances off the bench, the Scarlets forward is now set to start against Six Nations title rivals England in the absence through injury of Rees, Bennett and Burns.
“I have got to go out there on Saturday and put a performance in,” said Owens. “Growing up, England was always the game you made sure you watched. Twickenham is a great venue, and to play against England is huge.
“Hopefully, the nerves won’t be too bad. It is more excitement, really.
“Once you nail that first (line-out) throw, it is not too bad after that. Against Scotland, I came on and it was straight into a line-out. Luckily, we won it, and you build confidence from that,” he explained.
AFP
