Will Rowlands' father, Jeremy, has revealed his delight after his son made 'the obvious' choice by throwing his lot in with Wales.
The Wasps star made his Test debut with an impressive cameo off the bench during Wales' 23-27 defeat to France at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.
English-born Rowlands is eligible to play for Wales through his father, who was born and raised this side of the River Severn.
"I just pointed out that, through the many years that we watched rugby on television, Wales clearly played a more attractive game," joked Jeremy Rowlands.
"Also, this stadium [Principality Stadium] is an incredible stadium and a much better place to play rugby than Twickenham.
"It always seemed to me that it was an obvious choice but, of course, I never put too much pressure on him.
"It's just worked out in a very good way.
Asked how proud he felt, he added: "The Welsh do two things very well apart from rugby. They sing and they cry. If you push me to answer that question honestly I'd probably end up crying. It's a special day."
The towering lock came off the bench in the 66th minute, replacing Jake Ball, and caught the eye with one rampaging run up the middle of the field.
So impressive was his 14 minutes that WalesOnline columnist and Welsh rugby legend Graham Price called for him to be given a start at Twickenham next week.
"I was brought up there [in England] but I felt a calling back to Wales for rugby the whole way through," the 28-year-old told WRU TV.
"I've always said I want to test myself at the highest level, so to be able to play Test rugby was a dream come true.
"To do it in a Welsh shirt was extra special.
"It was a bit of a roller coaster to be honest.
"Being on the bench is always up and down. You're living the game before you actually get to be involved in it.
"I was a bit relieved when they gave me the nod and said I was going on.
"It was an incredible experience. The stadium, the fans.
"It was a massive day. One I'll remember for a long time. I'm very proud."
