Tom Rogers has spoken of his pride at creating a slice of Welsh rugby history.
The Scarlets speedster touched down for a hat-trick of tries in Wales’ Quilter Autumn Series loss to New Zealand at a raucous Principality Stadium on Saturday, becoming the first Welshman to ever achieve that feat.
The record books show only three other players in world rugby have managed to score three tries in a game against the All Blacks – an exclusive club that the 26-year-old wing from Cefneithin now belongs to.
“It was class and I’m really chuffed. It hasn’t sunk in because when as a kid it’s your dream to play for Wales against the All Blacks,” said Tom, speaking to the media in the aftermath of the 52-26 defeat.
Dropped from the side following the opening match of the series against Argentina, the Scarlet was in blistering form back in the No. 14 jersey.
“I’ve always been a fighter and I wanted to prove to (Steve) Tandy that I deserved a spot in the team,” he added.
Reflecting on the game, he continued: “From the Argentina and Japan games, it was a massive improvement.
“We attacked well, it’s just the All Blacks were class in the second half. We wanted to put our game on the pitch and I think we did that for an hour.”