| Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin Date: Saturday, 24 February Kick-off: 14:15 GMT |
| Coverage: Watch live on S4C; listen on BBC Radio Wales & Radio Cymru; text commentary and match report on BBC Sport website and app |
Just 12 months ago Cardiff prop Keiron Assiratti was wondering whether he had any future in rugby.
Now the Wales tight-head finds himself an important player in Warren Gatland’s set-up going into the Six Nations trip to Ireland next Saturday.
“It’s a big change,” said Assiratti.
“This time 12 months ago, I didn’t know what I was doing with my rugby. I didn’t know what was going to happen last year.
“Now, when I think about what could have been and what is happening, I’m glad I stuck at it.
“I can say I’m doing quite well, so it’s been a big turnaround.”
A year ago Assiratti was battling uncertainty over his future with financial issues over new contracts dominating the Welsh rugby landscape.
Assiratti was struggling to be a regular regional starter and unsure whether he would be offered a new deal.
“I wasn’t playing at all in the first half of last season and it was frustrating,” said Assiratti.
“It was hard to keep going. I didn’t know what I was going to do. I just had to play as well as I could and see what happened.”
Contemplating life after rugby
Assiratti, 26, said he considered signing a semi-professional contract with Merthyr.
“That’s what I was going to do, I didn’t think I was going to get anything at Cardiff at that time,” he said.
“I was speaking to one of the Merthyr coaches, but would probably have had to take a side job.
“I had to think about getting a job for my family, to try and secure everything. I have no idea what I would do [as a job], I would have just had to wing it.
“I let things play out at Cardiff, I had a run of games and here I am. I had to stick at it because I’ve got a family. Hopefully the best is still to come.”
Assiratti forced his way into the World Cup training squad and made his Wales debut in a warm-up win against England in August but eventually missed out on selection for the global tournament.
“I was gutted not to go to the World Cup but it made me want it even more, to kick on and go to the next one,” said Assiratti.
“I think I have progressed massively since the training camp in Switzerland last year.
“That’s probably the toughest pre-season I’ve had but it has helped me progress as a player and person.
“What they put us through made us better and stronger and the intensity there made me realise what I could achieve.”
Assiratti is starting to see the benefits as Wales’ tight-head prop options are evolving. The World Cup trio of Tomas Francis, Henry Thomas and Dillon Lewis were not initially selected for this Six Nations with Assiratti, Leon Brown and Archie Griffin named.
Brown started the opening defeat by Scotland but suffered a shoulder injury, with Assiratti impressing as a second-half replacement.
He started in the 16-14 defeat to England and again was influential before being replaced by Griffin.
Bath’s Griffin was forced off the field with a knee injury on his Wales debut and has been released from the squad.
Lewis has been called up but Assiratti is the man in possession of the Wales number three shirt.
“I’m enjoying playing and having the exposure of my first Six Nations,” said Assiratti.
“I loved my first time at Twickenham, the atmosphere was incredible but I was gutted we didn’t get the win.
“It was good to go up against Joe Marler who is an experienced loose-head, it was a good battle.”
The next test will be the defending Six Nations champions Ireland, who remain on course for successive Grand Slams.
Like many Welsh players in recent times, Assiratti has had limited success against Irish sides – with one win in 18 games for Cardiff against their provinces – though he was part of a Wales Under-20s success in 2017.
“We have to go there and meet fire with fire,” he said.
“It’s going to be a tough test going out there with a young squad.
“Even though the results haven’t gone our way, we feel like we are fighting hard and it’s going to come. I hope everyone will be patient with us.”
‘I am doing it for my family’
Assiratti’s rise through the ranks has been achieved alongside fellow Cardiff prop Corey Domachoswki.
“We have been playing together since we were with the under-15s,” said Assiratti.
“He was playing number eight back then before he transitioned to loose-head. We have just built a connection and it’s good to have Corey with me here with Wales.
“He doesn’t stop talking, he could talk a glass eye to sleep. He’s good to have in the environment.”
Assiratti has also been joined in the Wales set-up by a fellow Wattstown RFC product, full-back Cameron Winnett.
“Me and Cam both grew up there,” said Assiratti.
“I grew up through the club, it’s my only club and they played a big part in my career. Now it’s nice to see Cam kicking on through Cardiff and Wales. He’s been fantastic so far.”
Assiratti’s friends and family have been important in his rise. He has already fulfilled a pledge made to his late grandfather by winning a Wales cap.
The prop spoke to his grandfather for the last time before his death in December 2021, when Assiratti was stuck in South Africa as part of the Cardiff squad’s Covid-hit trip.
He told his beloved relative then he would represent Wales and has gone on to do that four times and counting.
“I would love him to still be here but hopefully, he’s up there feeling proud,” said Assiratti.
“I’m doing it for my family now. They are over the moon for me and just want me to keep on improving.”
