Cardiff Rugby propping pals Corey Domachowski and Keiron Assiratti go back a long way together.
As long ago as 2012, they were team-mates in the Rhondda Schools side that won the Dewar Shield, beating Cardiff Schools 12-10 in the final of the U16s tournament at the then Millennium Stadium.
Now, 11 years on, they are going to be back at the famous ground, having both been selected to win their first Wales caps in the starting line-up against England on Saturday.
It’s a huge achievement for the pair - each aged 26 - who have been regional colleagues at the Arms Park for the last seven or so years.
They both have back stories of real note.
A few years ago, Domachowski learned that his Polish great-grandfather had survived the horrors of Auschwitz during World War Two.
Stefan Domachowski escaped from the death camp and eventually moved to Wales, settling in Pencoed and working as a miner.
Explaining how he uncovered the incredible story, Corey said: “There was a piece being done on me for a match programme as I was on the front cover.
“I was asked about my surname and my heritage, so I spoke to my grandparents to see if they had any stories to share with me.
“That’s when my nan told me my great-grandfather had escaped from Auschwitz. I thought she was pulling my leg, so I asked my grandad about it and he opened it all out to me.”
Domachowski learned that Stefan had grown up in Myslowice in southern Poland and was part of the Polish Army in WWII before being captured and sent to Auschwitz. He was to be one of 196 prisoners to successfully escape the horrors of the camp.
After moving to Wales, he enlisted in the Polish Armed Forces in the West and went on to to work in the mines in Ogmore Vale.
It’s a tale which Corey - who has recently signed a contract extension - takes great inspiration from.
“He came over here looking for work, as many did,” he said.
“He managed to get into the mines and ended up settling and meeting my great-grandmother. It’s a crazy story. It was quite remarkable really, an eye-opener.
“I wasn’t born when he was alive, but it was amazing to hear the story. It’s been a great inspiration for me.”
Growing up in Gilfach Goch, Corey was initially focused on football before taking up rugby at the local club through his friends.
He started out in the back row, but then switched to loosehead prop. He made his regional debut against Glasgow aged 19 in 2016 and has gone on to make more than 100 appearances for Cardiff Rugby.
As for tighthead Assiratti, the recent turnaround in his career has been some story.
A product of Wattstown RFC, he made his regional debut in January 2017 against Sale in the Anglo Welsh Cup, starting alongside Domachowski.
Like his fellow prop from the Rhondda, he was capped by Wales at U20s level and established himself within the senior squad at the Arms Park.
However, in the period from 2020 to 2022, he found first team opportunities limited, with much of his game-time coming with the Cardiff club side in the Premiership.
But then, during the second half of last season, opportunity knocked again and he grabbed his chance with both hands.
He re-established himself as a regular in the match-day squad, much of the time packing down alongside Domachowski in a highly effective partnership.
Assiratti, who now has 64 regional appearances to his name, has also spoken publicly about the inspirational influence of family.
Back in December 2021, he posted a touching tribute following the death of his grandfather, describing him as his “best friend”.
He wrote: “I’m thankful for everything you’ve ever done for me. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be in this privileged situation I’m in now.”
Now both Domachowski and Assiratti can look forward to the biggest day of their careers as they prepare to take their double act onto the international stage.
It is just the third time in the past 75 years where both starting Wales props will be making their Test debuts.
The other two instances were legendary Pontypool duo Charlie Faulkner and Graham Price against France in Paris in January 1975 and then Staff Jones and Cardiff’s Ian Eidman away to Scotland in February 1983. Both games resulted in Welsh victories.
Domachowski and Assiratti will be joined in the 23 to face England by Cardiff Rugby colleagues Tomos Williams and Mason Grady, who are among the replacements.
This is the first of three warm-up matches for Wales ahead of the World Cup in France, with further fixtures away to England and home to South Africa to follow.