The Oxford University graduate was a relatively late arrival to Test rugby, in 2019 then aged 28, but swiftly became among the first names on Gatland’s team sheet and has been hailed “the next Alun Wyn Jones” by former Wales lock Ian Gough.
A career in finance looked to be calling for the double varsity blue before he was handed his first professional contract at Wasps by former Wales captain Dai Young.
“I was ancient by comparison to a lot of the Welsh players who have come into the squad of late,” said Rowlands.
“I feel proud of my journey so far, but I’ve got more things I’d like to do before I can say I’ve made it or achieved everything I want to achieve.”
Jones played Test rugby until he was 37, so Rowlands, a Six Nations winner in 2021, still has time.
Born in Hammersmith, London, Rowlands qualifies for Wales through his father, who convinced him to pursue his rugby ambitions.
“It has all happened very gradually. It was a bit of a struggle in the first year. I didn’t play much rugby while my old uni friends were just starting off their careers and I wondered if I was just wasting my time.
“But my father told me to bide my time and see what happens. I’m glad that was the advice and the decision I took to stick it out. With luck, opportunity and a bit of ability, it has been a fantastic journey so far.”
