When Stella Orrin learned she had earned a spot in her first senior matchday squad, the news brought so many tears that Wales head coach Sean Lynn phoned her again to ensure she understood.

A similar wave of emotion hit when Orrin stood for the national anthem ahead of her bench debut in Wales' win over the Barbarians in June.

"It is the best day of my life so far," said the 20-year-old prop. "I am so proud. I have worked toward wearing that jersey for a long time and it truly means everything to me."

"I recall when Lynny spoke with me. He meets players one-to-one before the team is named. I expected bad news, yet I became so emotional I could not absorb a word. I simply burst into tears."

'My time will come'

The sole element missing from Orrin's Twickenham appearance was a capped Test match, yet that milestone could arrive this autumn when Wales face South Africa, USA and Japan in the WXV Global Series.

Though Orrin says she would swell with pride, the former Wales Under-18s and Under-21s prop is content to wait. "I trust the coaches and the players around me. My time will come," she said. "I am in no hurry, but it would be wonderful."

"I am proud to be Welsh. It is the country that welcomed my mother from France and the place I describe to friends at university in Bristol."

Dad was 'no good' as a player, but 'my idol'

Like many internationals, Orrin credits family support, especially her rugby-playing father who sparked her interest at age 13.

"He was no good," Orrin says with laughter. "He only played social rugby in the valleys."

"I took up the cello and rugby because I wanted to be like him. He is my idol."

"My parents attend every game and my dad buys tickets for all fixtures before I am even selected. During Six Nations matches when I served as a travelling reserve, the whole family came. They remained proud while I ran drills on the sideline."

Starstruck in camp

Orrin is now training with Wales in pre-season as coach Lynn finalises the WXV squad ahead of the opener against South Africa on 18 September.

This marks her second year with the senior group, and she praises players such as Donna Rose and Gwen Crabb for easing her transition from age-grade rugby.

"All the players have been fair. It feels quite unreal, especially last year on my first visit," said Orrin. "These are athletes you watch on television and you think 'it is Jaz Joyce and Lisa Neumann'. Yet you arrive and discover they are not only fine players but truly remarkable people."