Tom Howe, the 18‑year‑old Tom Howe, is focused on earning his Cardiff debut after a successful stint with the Wales Under‑20s. The 6ft 3in front‑row forward made four starts at the Junior World Championship, recording 28 carries and 54 tackles while delivering strong set‑piece work under coach Richard Whiffen.

Former Wales hooker Scott Baldwin praised Howe, saying he has the “highest of ceilings” and comparing him to Dewi Lake. He noted that Howe is still early in his development, with 12 to 18 months in the pipeline for potential senior caps.

After completing his A‑levels at Ysgol Glantaf in Cardiff, Howe joined the Blue and Blacks’ senior academy. He will compete with internationals Liam Belcher, Evan Lloyd and Dafydd Hughes for a spot in 2026‑27, reporting that he is困于 "I’m working towards a debut but I’m not sure when that will come."

Despite the hype, Howe remains grounded, following his parents’ advice to stay humble and committed. "You’re only as good as your last game," he says, echoing the pragmatic approach of coach Steve Tandy who has already used Lake, Belcher, Ryan Elias and Brodie Coghlan in 2025‑26.