TOM Rogers became the first Cefneithin RFC product to win a senior Wales cap since the great Barry John when he started against Canada on Saturday.

The young winger had a very encouraging Test debut in the emphatic 68-12 win - and was cheered on by a bus-load of supporters from his former club.

An ex-pupil at Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth, the Scarlets flyer said he was delighted his family and friends could be there at the Principality Stadium.

“Playing for Wales has always been a goal of mine since I was a kid, but I never thought it would come so soon, it’s come quite quickly," said Rogers.

"When I phoned my mother and father to tell them that I had made the squad, they were very emotional, they have have been with me from the start."

Rogers has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at the Scarlets, having used the Covid-enforced lockdown wisely by even building a gym at his home.

His Scarlets' highlight was scoring a stunning individual try against Connacht, to help his side secure Champions Cup qualification for next season.

He justified his Wales selection with some lightning attacks and textbook defensive work, and captain Jonathan Davies described him as “a huge talent”.

“One of the things I've been impressed with is that it’s his first year in senior rugby, we've seen his game grow, and his work ethic is great," said Davies.

"He has been around Leigh (Halfpenny) and Liam (Williams) at the Scarlets, and he has just been picking their brains and learning from them.

“He gets what is needed of him to be at the highest level, has two great mentors, and has taken advantage of that, which is what you need, really.”

Head coach Wayne Pivac introduced five new caps, with Dragons lock Ben Carter, being named as the man of the match as he debuted from the start.

Gareth Thomas, Taine Basham and Ben Thomas also came off the replacements' bench and contributed to the one-sided 10-try win on Saturday.

Two tries apiece from Tomos Williams, Taine Basham and Jonah Holmes and scores from James Botham, Nicky Smith, Elliot Dee and Will Rowlands sealed the win.

Fly-half Callum Sheedy added 14 points - but the match was overshadowed by Leigh Halfpenny suffering a serious knee injury in the opening minute of his 100th international.

Halfpenny went down inside the first minute of the match with suspected anterior cruciate ligament damage, and expects a lengthy spell on the sidelines.