Wales Under-18 star Prydie will play for Bridgend this season

The Ospreys say that 17-year-old full-back Tom Prydie has made a big impact in training with the senior squad.

Prydie, who has a year left at Porthcawl High School, was invited to join the region's stars under director of rugby Scott Johnson this summer.

"I'd heard a lot about him, so with it being school holidays it seemed a good time to invite him in for a few weeks to see what he's about," said Johnson.

"I've been pleasantly surprised... You can't put in what God left out."

Prydie rose to attention as a member of the junior section at Bridgend Athletic, and he also represented Bridgend at schools and district levels.

606: DEBATE Give your thoughts on Prydie's development

He earned five caps for Wales Under-18 last season, scoring 62 points.

Away from rugby, he has also shone in athletics, competing regularly as a sprinter for Welsh schools.

Having represented the Ospreys at age-grade level, Prydie was handed a full-time academy contract in summer 2008.

"I've been told that there are no expectations on me for the season, just to keep doing what I'm doing and to make sure I learn from the experiences I'm getting," said the youngster.

"I'm playing for Bridgend this season so I'm going to get some experience under my belt at the next level.

"Beyond that, the target is to maybe get some game time in the Magners League or the Anglo-Welsh Cup towards the end of the season once I've shown what I can do."

We'll see a lot more of [Prydie] throughout the season Scott Johnson

Johnson added: "He's got incredible pace and is a great athlete who looks to have a bright future ahead of him.

"He has really settled well in with the senior group and hasn't been overawed in any way, which is a very positive indication of his maturity.

"Without wanting to put any undue pressure on him at a young age, although his birth certificate says he's 17, physically, he has shown that he's able to compete with men and that is a great start.

"If you're good enough, you're old enough, and the kid has got a head start.

"We just need to make sure that we give him the tools to make the most of it.

"He'll be heading back to school in the new term, but I'm sure, on what we've seen of him so far, that we'll see a lot more of him throughout the season."

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