Taine Plumtree, the 23-year-old New Zealand-born back-rower, has undergone a remarkable transformation from being a relatively unknown player to earning caps for the Wales national team. Despite not having played a single game for his new club Scarlets, Plumtree was selected for the Wales World Cup training squad due to his birth in Swansea, a result of his father’s previous career as a player there.
In a recent interview with RugbyPass, Plumtree admitted that he initially felt overwhelmed by the prospect of joining the Wales squad, given his lack of familiarity with his new teammates. However, he was pleasantly surprised when a fellow Scarlets member extended a warm welcome to him. “The Scarlets boys heard I was joining them so they backed me – Mosh (Ryan Elias) was the first person to come up to me and shake my hand,” Plumtree shared.
While Plumtree experienced some initial apprehension, he received support in learning the Welsh national anthem from a senior Wales star before earning his first cap. He recognized the passionate and proud nature of the Welsh and the importance of understanding and respecting their national anthem, an experience that has further fueled his determination to succeed in his newfound international career.
After missing a significant amount of game time due to a shoulder injury, Plumtree is now poised to make a comeback, providing a significant boost to both Wales and the Scarlets. His return will mark a crucial juncture for both teams, who have faced their fair share of challenges in recent months.
Looking ahead, Plumtree is set to face the Sharks, a team coached by his father, in an upcoming game. This unique scenario has already sparked friendly banter between the two, with Plumtree humorously commenting on the potential challenge that awaits him. “I told him that it could be an inhospitable welcome in Llanelli and he’s told me his front row were looking pretty fearsome, so let’s bring it on,” Plumtree remarked.
The future looks promising for Plumtree, as Wales prepares to face South Africa at Twickenham and embark on a tour of Australia in July. His journey from being an unfamiliar face in the Wales squad to a burgeoning international rugby star stands as an inspiring testament to his perseverance and dedication to the sport. Both his return from injury and his upcoming performances will undoubtedly be highly anticipated by fans and supporters as he continues to make his mark in the world of rugby.