JoshNavidi

Four years elapsed between Josh Navidi’s first and second cap for Wales but since becoming a first-team regular, the back-rower has made himself indispensable for his country.

The 30-year-old played four games for Wayne Pivac’s side as they clinched the 2021 Six Nations title, having also started every game of Wales’ Grand Slam-winning campaign in 2019.

So it came as no surprise that when fellow Welshman Justin Tipuric’s Tour was cruelly ended by injury, Wales’ former head coach Warren Gatland turned to Navidi as his replacement.

Navidi was then selected from the start in two matches on the 2021 Lions Tour, against both Cell C Sharks and South Africa A.

Born in Bridgend, Navidi was first introduced to rugby at Brynteg Comprehensive School and Bridgend Athletic RFC before moving to New Zealand when he was 17.

He made a big impression at St Bede’s College, helping his school win the South Island College League before being offered a place in the Canterbury Academy.

Navidi was snapped up by Cardiff Blues Academy on his return to the UK, featuring for Wales in the 2010 Six Nations Under-20s alongside the likes of Taulupe Faletau and Gareth Davies.

Having made his Cardiff Blues bow in 2009 against Leinster, Navidi was first called up to the Wales senior squad in January 2013 but did not get a game in that year’s Six Nations.

His debut did arrive against Japan in that summer's tour, although he had to wait until the 2017 tour for his next cap, playing against Tonga before impressing during the autumn series.

After making his Six Nations debut in 2018, starting four Championship games, Navidi played all five games for Gatland in their stunning 2019 Grand Slam-winning campaign.

Navidi remained influential for Wales in their run to the Rugby World Cup semi-finals later that year, before playing four games in their 2021 Six Nations Championship triumph.