For the second tournament in a row, Boyd-Ward is a member of the Wales World Cup squad, having played for Ireland in 2013 and England four years after that.

Ironically, Ireland and England are both in Wales’ group for this year’s tournament and Boyd-Ward said: “I don’t think the excitement of a World Cup ever disappears and it doesn’t matter, you know, what nation I’m playing for.

“I’m just quite fortunate I’ve been able to represent pretty much most of my heritage.

“Granted, the Welsh heritage is the only one, like, my granddad’s proud of!

“But, yeah, I think for me, this time around it’s even more exciting again going back to those new players that, potentially, will make their debut and seeing their excitement of being in that World Cup situation.”

Wales’ World Cup tilt gets underway tomorrow morning with their big group opener versus defending champions England.

Jonathan Gill, Fionn McCabe, father and son Martin and Matthew Turner, and vice-captain Stuart Williams are all Down Under representing North Wales Crusaders and the nation.