Chris Czekaj believes the winning mentality of the Wales Under-21 side will ensure a smooth transition into the all-conquering senior squad. The Blues winger is one of four junior Grand Slam winners named in the Wales squad to face Canada and the US Eagles.
He scored five tries in the U-21's Six Nations, and said: "It's probably the main reason I got the call.
"It's a big opportunity to get some valuable experience and hopefully I'll come away from it a better player."
Czekaj, whose Polish grandfather came to Wales during the Second World War, has played most of his club rugby for Cardiff's semi-professional side in the Welsh Premiership.
But after his try-scoring exploits for Wales U-21s, the 19-year-old was given his Cardiff Blues debut last month.
 |  Chris has the physical form to play top international rugby |
"That will help me a lot to step up to this level," said Czekaj, who scored two tries in Wales' U21 Grand Slam clincher against Ireland.
"Hopefully having that experience behind me will bode well for the tour."
With backs Gareth Thomas, Shane Williams and Tom Shanklin missing the two-Test tour of North America on Lions duty, the door is open for Czekaj to impress coach Mike Ruddock.
And his imposing 6ft 3in and 15st 12lbs frame certainly means he has the physical attributes to cope with international rugby.
Ruddock said: "In the backs, Matthew Jones and Chris Czekaj have both stood out among a great Under-21 team this season.
"Matthew has had a fantastic season with the Ospreys and has all the attributes to become a top flight outside-half.
"Chris has a few regional games under his belt now and has the physical form to play top international rugby."
Despite his size, Czekaj likes to describe himself as more of an "evasive winger than one that bashes into people".
His promotion to the senior squad means he will miss the U-21 World Cup in Argentina, but it is a sacrifice he is more than happy to make.
"If I get selected and win my first cap I'll just do my best and hopefully it'll mean more selections in the future," he added.
"We've just been told to relax, be ourselves and enjoy the experience."
MMIX
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