Making his Wales Sevens debut in Dubai last weekend was 20-year-old Matthew Owen, who played an important role in the team's thrilling start to the season as they went all the way to the semi-finals.

Owen was born and raised in the famous Peckham district of south-east London, and qualifies for Wales through his mother, who was born on Anglesey in North Wales. He played some social school and club rugby in London before becoming involved in rugby league with the London Broncos, but his real break came when he joined the Welsh Exiles programme three years ago.

"I heard about the Exiles and went along to one of their assessment days. I didn't think anything would come of it but the programme really suited me and the WRU were fantastic in helping my development," says the 6'5" wing. "I eventually moved schools to Llandovery College where I became involved with the Scarlets and I was then invited to be part of the national sevens programme."

Owen's power and pace poses a huge threat in the seven-man game. "As a back, I enjoy the space that sevens offers me," he says. "We have prepared really well and the team environment is a great one to be in. It's quite surreal to think that three years ago I was just playing social rugby and I'm now taking part in a huge international tournament which will be televised all over the world to over 100 countries and an audience of millions."

He adds: "There's no way I could have achieved what I have without the Exiles programme and I would urge every Welsh-qualified player based outside Wales to get involved with the Exiles. I wasn't in an academy in England and I wasn't even in my county team so I'll always be grateful to the Exiles for giving me a route into Welsh rugby."

WRU National Exiles Officer Gareth Davies said: "Matthew is a great ambassador for the Exiles programme. His commitment, determination and attitude has been outstanding and he thoroughly deserves his selection in the Wales Sevens squad. He's yet another example of the Exiles programme providing a credible pathway for ambitious Welsh-qualified rugby players who are based outside Wales, and we wish him well. "

After a successful start to this season's HSBC World Rugby Seven Series in Dubai, Wales Sevens will this Saturday compete in Pool D of the Cape Town 7s, which includes Uganda, Scotland and Samoa.