Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Dan Edwards has played 11 internationals for Wales
ByGareth GriffithsBBC Sport Wales- Published59 minutes ago
Enjoying life as a Wales fly-half can be testing, but Dan Edwards has vowed to embrace the pressure with a smile on his face.
The Wales number 10 jersey is the most scrutinised position in Welsh rugby, as wearers look to follow in the footsteps of greats such as Cliff Morgan, Barry John, Phil Bennett, David Watkins and Jonathan Davies.
In the professional era performers like Neil Jenkins, Stephen Jones, James Hook and Dan Biggar have graced the role.
Ospreys fly-half Edwards is the incumbent and has experienced adversity already.
After starting Steve Tandy's first seven games in charge of Wales, the 23-year-old was dropped for the Six Nations match against Scotland in Cardiff in February.
His replacement Sam Costelow impressed before the Scarlets fly-half picked up an injury.
This allowed Edwards to return for the final two matches against Ireland and Italy - he responded with a virtuoso 16-point performance against the Azzurri, including a try and a towering drop-goal, as Wales ended a three-year Six Nations losing streak.
"I felt lucky to play the Irish and Italian games because if Costy (Costelow) didn't get injured, I probably wouldn't have been involved," said Edwards.
"He had such a good game against Scotland so I felt lucky and had to make sure I took my opportunity."
Edwards made a decision not to go into his shell.
"I thought going into those two games, I play my best rugby when I look happy and a bit cheeky on the field," said Edwards.
"I remember [Wales captain] Dewi Lake telling me he would hate to play against me if he looked across and I was having a laugh and a joke on the field.
"You've probably seen in that Italian game, when I am playing with a smile on my face I am my best and probably when I'm at my most dangerous."
His Ospreys head coach Mark Jones described Edwards' positivity as "infectious" and he exudes the confidence of a typical fly-half.
"Some people might think it's a bit arrogant, or a bit cocky, but that's when I'm at my best," said Edwards.
"When I'm out there having fun, playing the way I've always seen the game, taking people on and running with ball in hand."
It is a simple approach that is grounded in the Cwmavon rugby community he grew up in.
"That means a lot, just growing up there, watching my dad and uncle play," said Edwards.
"I go back now every week to watch my mates play. They won the Division Three title a few weeks back and have been promoted.
"The club's in a great place, full of good people and epitomises what rugby is about.
"That's where I get my enjoyment from. It feels like it's home, everything's so normal and all the boys are great. They rip into me but I wouldn't want anything else."
'Your best ability is your availability'
Edwards' durability has also been evident as he prepares to make his 25th start of the season in the final United Rugby Championship (URC) match against Leinster in Dublin on Saturday.
"Your best ability is your availability," said Edwards.
"I've learned how to be more robust during the season and am grateful to be able to play every week."
That attitude has allowed him to cope with the off-the-field criticism reserved for a Wales fly-half.
"I appreciate a lot of good players have played in this position before," said Edwards.
"Everyone has their own opinion [on the Wales fly-half]. If they keep it to themselves or say it to the world, it's up to them."
Edwards and his Ospreys team-mates have faced a testing season with doubts raised about the long-term future of the side.
Those fears have been allayed for the next couple of seasons but they have been worrying times for Ospreys players, coaches and supporters.
"It's been wild, to say the least, a rollercoaster year," said Edwards.
"In the middle of the season no-one knew what was going on. It's not just the effect in the room, it has an effect with supporters and family members also.
"As a group we've responded well and the coaching staff have been brilliant.
"It has been a tough year but we've dealt with it well and come out the other side.
"People are more at ease and we can concentrate on playing rugby. Hopefully there's a good future ahead for this club and Welsh rugby."
Edwards must believe this because, despite interest from Leicester, he signed a two-year deal to stay with Ospreys who will play at a new home in Swansea next season.
"I can't wait, especially with St Helens being rebuilt," said Edwards.
"It'll be a great place to play and should be rocking. I can't wait to stay here for the next two years."
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Success against Scarlets and reaching Ospreys milestone
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Dan Edwards made his Ospreys debut against Glasgow in November 2023
Edwards cheekily tossed away a Scarlets cap in his Ospreys re-signing video, following suggestions the fellow Welsh region were chasing his signature.
He repeated the motion after his 22-point haul helped Ospreys defeat Scarlets in Bridgend last week.
"It was all a bit of banter, we need it," said Edwards.
"The game was fun. The main thing was winning and we did that. It was a packed-out Brewery Field and both sets of supporters brought good noise.
"It was a good atmosphere, there was banter going on in the stands and on the field.
"That's what we all want as players and supporters."
Ospreys cannot qualify for the URC play-offs, so finish the season this weekend when they travel to play Leinster in Dublin in a game that will be Jac Morgan's last before he joins Gloucester.
"It's a great opportunity to go out and enjoy it as a group and send a few boys off on the right note," said Edwards.
It is also a milestone match for Edwards as he prepares to play his 50th game for Ospreys.
"It only feels like yesterday I played my first game so I am looking forward to getting the 50th and hopefully play another 50 as well," said Edwards.
"If I didn't have the opportunity so young that I had, I wouldn't be making 50 appearances for Ospreys or be playing for Wales now."
The season does not end there for Edwards, with Wales having four matches this summer.
The uncapped match on 27 June against Barbarians is followed by three Nations Championships matches against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa.
"There's good opposition to play and great places to travel, so I'm looking forward to the summer and getting into Wales camp," said Edwards.
"I am only 23 and feel ready to go again.
“We will have a few days off after this weekend and I'll be refreshed.”
