Following a late call up to Wales’ Six Nations squad, Cardiff Rugby tight-head Sam Wainwright is targeting another milestone in an emotional journey.

The 27-year-old was added to Steve Tandy’s squad following an injury to Cardiff team-mate Keiron Assiratti, earning an opportunity to feature in Test rugby for the first time since 2022.

For Wainwright, the call-up carries deep personal meaning – it comes just over two years after the death of his father Shaun, who played a central role in his life on and off the pitch.

Wainwright said: “Dad passed away two years ago and we talked to each other and said that we’d get back to this position.

“It was a big thing in the back of my mind, I’ve always been hungry to get back in. My wife has been unbelievable and she has supported me in everything. We have talked about never giving up on anything and it’s nice to be given an opportunity.”

Wainwright won his first cap in Wales’ historic 13-12 victory over South Africa in Bloemfontein – the only time the men’s national side has beaten the Springboks on their own soil. His family were in the stands that day, sharing the moment with him.

Originally from Prestatyn, his rise through the game saw him progress from Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC) to Saracens, Scarlets and now Cardiff Rugby, where he has made seven appearances since in the summer.

He would have been proud of me – 1,000%.

“Dad was a huge influence,” said the prop. “We were best friends and he did everything with me.

“He was one of the biggest support networks for me and when I got the call-up I thought about him a lot, it was quite emotional.

“We’d speak about everything and he’d watch every game. When I was at the Scarlets he would tell me what to pick up on after every game.

“He was unbelievable for me and that’s why getting this call up was a bit emotional for me. He would have been proud of me – 1,000%.”

Since returning to Welsh rugby, Wainwright has racked up plenty of experience, making 50 appearances for the Scarlets before moving to the capital.

Plenty of competition in Blue & Black and Red of Wales

He has acquitted himself well in Blue & Black, making seven appearances in a fiercely competitive position, with Assiratti and Scotland international Javan Sebastian.

That competition is no different with Wales. Stepping up to replace injured Assiratti, he will now compete with Tomas Francis and Archie Griffin in the tight-head stakes ahead of Wales’ Six Nations opener against England.

“I’ve played a lot more rugby than when I was last in,” said Wainwright.

“I’d only played 20-something games for Saracens at the time and was then put into that environment.

“When I was here last time it was a big learning curve for me and I’ve played a lot of rugby in between with Scarlets and Cardiff.

“I had those caps early in my career, but I understood I still had a lot to work on. I was quite critical of myself and I went away and worked hard. It’s great to get another opportunity to potentially show what I can do.”