Cardiff Rugby number eight James Ratti is savouring his first Wales call-up having been on “one heck of a journey” to earn international recognition.
The converted lock, 24, was named in Wales’ Six Nations squad on Tuesday.
After leaving Ospreys in 2019, Ratti rebuilt his career by playing semi-professional rugby with Cardiff RFC’s club side in the Welsh Premiership before signing for Cardiff Rugby.
“It’s been a bit of an unusual route to get here,” says Ratti.
“I’m thankful for all the opportunities I’ve had from Cardiff RFC through to Cardiff Rugby now.
“It’s been one heck of a journey and I’m not saying I’m anywhere near the end – it’s the start of something different now.
“It’s been a bit mad. It’s not something I necessarily expected, but obviously I’m chuffed to be included, and work starts now really.”
If Ratti’s call-up took him by surprise, then it might well have raised a few eyebrows elsewhere.
His imposing 6ft 4in and 18st frame is becoming a regular feature of Cardiff’s back row – where competition for places is intense – but his performances might not have caught the eye of many outside the Arms Park.
Having played much of his childhood rugby at number eight with Dunvant, Ratti moved to the second row in his teens and it was there that he impressed for Llandovery College before signing professional terms with Ospreys and representing Wales at under-18 and under-20 level.
However, he made only 13 appearances during his three years with Ospreys and, in the summer of 2019, his professional future appeared to be in the balance when he left the region and joined the semi-pro Cardiff RFC.
“I’d like to think I always believed,” says Ratti.
“You have your moments when your head is in the mud, but I don’t think you go away from thinking that.
“If you don’t believe you can get there it probably affects your training and your performances.
“You don’t think too far ahead. It’s just about taking it one step at a time.”
Ratti did just that. After impressing in the Welsh Premiership…
Cardiff Rugby number eight James Ratti is savouring his first Wales call-up having been on “one heck of a journey” to earn international recognition.
The converted lock, 24, was named in Wales’ Six Nations squad on Tuesday.
After leaving Ospreys in 2019, Ratti rebuilt his career by playing semi-professional rugby with Cardiff RFC’s club side in the Welsh Premiership before signing for Cardiff Rugby.
“It’s been a bit of an unusual route to get here,” says Ratti.
“I’m thankful for all the opportunities I’ve had from Cardiff RFC through to…
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