The 25-year-old won his first cap in Wales' 2005 Grand Slam campaign but has never been able to claim a regular starting spot.

A combination of a serious ankle injury and the form of Martyn Williams for both Wales and the Cardiff Blues limited Sowden-Taylor's appearances.

But Williams' retirement from Test rugby has opened the door for Sowden-Taylor to claim a Wales spot, while the younger man is also making a case at regional level to claim the Blues' open-side berth.

Our verdict: HOT STUFF

606: Who's hot, who's not?