Cardiff full-back Winnett lands Welsh rugby award

Full-back Cameron Winnett made his Cardiff debut against Harlequins in 2021

Cardiff full-back Cameron Winnett has been named 2023-24 young player of the year by the Welsh Rugby Writers' Association (WRWA) after his breakthrough season with Wales.

Winnett, 21, made his Wales debut in the 2024 Six Nations match against Scotland, started every match in the tournament and has now played seven internationals.

He has stepped into the shoes of Leigh Halfpenny and Liam Williams, who between them monopolised the Wales number 15 shirt for more than a decade.

"It was a crazy season, I didn't expect to be where I am now," said Winnett.

"I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had and it's been a good year.

"The best moment is definitely my first cap for Wales. It's every kid's dream."

Calm and collected

Cameron Winnett's first club was Treorchy

Winnett has started the first three games of this season for Cardiff and scored two tries.

"I'm still building on last season and hopefully I can take that experience into this one. I'm looking forward to it," he said.

"I want to play as much as I can again and to take my opportunities. My main goal is winning games for Cardiff and then hopefully [getting] into the Wales squad again this autumn. It's where I want to be."

Winnett says he has "taken a lot of confidence from the experiences" of the last campaign.

"I'm quite a calm character," he added.

"I keep myself to myself on game day. I'm not nervous, I'm just always ready to play rugby."

Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt says Winnett is a worthy winner of his award.

"I've been massively impressed with Cam," said Sherratt.

"When I first saw him in training I could tell his qualities. First of all, he's very consistent - he never misses a training session.

"He's quite a quiet lad but very professional. He talks on the pitch but isn't one to stand up in meeting and say too much.

"He comes in, does his work, and keeps himself to himself but when you watch him train, he's very consistent in all his actions.

"He's got a lot of natural ability and I'm delighted he's won the award."