Yet even in the gloomiest of seasons, there are figures who rise above the fray. Dewi Lake, the Ospreys hooker, has been one such figure – a young leader who has carried the burden of captaincy with a composure and spirit that belie his 25 years. His emergence as a guiding light during the Autumn Nations Series speaks to both his character and his talent, shining a beacon for Wales in an otherwise overcast campaign.
When we say Lake has been a standout for Wales in 2024, that’s not merely opinion – the stats from Opta bear it out. Over 80 minutes per game this year (from a minimum of 320 minutes played), Lake has mixed it with the best hookers in Tier One: leading in tackles (with a 95.3% success rate) and carries; fourth for tries; and third for jackals.
If Wales can produce more players of Dewi Lake’s industry across the park, they’ll be doing well.
Lake’s story begins about 45 minutes from the Principality Stadium, in Ogmore Vale. He went to secondary school at Ysgol Gyfun Llangynwyd, a Welsh-medium secondary that also produced his Wales teammate and Grand Slam-winning centre Owen Watkin. It was while in primary school, though, that his love for sport began to flourish – not in rugby initially, but in gymnastics.
Despite now possessing one of the more muscular frames you’ll see in a Test-match hooker, the precision, balance, and agility he developed as a young gymnast remain evident in his play today, where his dynamic movement and explosive power set him apart as a modern number two. The foundations of his athleticism were laid on the mats and beams of the gymnasium – coincidentally, along with another hugely talented Wales pal, Tommy Reffell – a background that gives him a unique edge in a position that demands as much mental sharpness as physicality.
Transitioning from the back row to hooker as he rose through the Welsh rugby ranks, Lake quickly found his stride. His time with the Wales U20s was defining, captaining the side with authority even when results weren’t anything to write home about (although he did lead them to an upset win against the Baby Blacks – watch his emotional post-match interview in Welsh). Either way, Lake had already been identified as a leader of men by the WRU.
These formative years showcased his captaincy potential, but they also revealed his steel when the chips were down – as they are right now for Wales following a record-breaking losing streak – a quality essential for a player tasked with anchoring the set-piece while providing a dynamic presence around the park. It is this duality that has made Lake not just a standout player but a natural captain.
His pride in his Welsh identity is striking. Lake has often spoken about the importance of his heritage. “I’m proud to be a Welsh speaker,” he said back in 2020. “You don’t realise when you’re at school how much of a gift the language is. It’s only afterwards that you realise how helpful it can be and it makes you thankful that you had the opportunity to learn it.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply in a nation where rugby serves as a cultural touchstone.
In a year when the team’s performances have tested the patience of even the most loyal fans, Lake’s willingness to connect with the public, both in English and Welsh, has reinforced his role as a bridge between the players and their supporters. Most recently, he conversed in Welsh with his counterpart in the national football team, Tottenham’s Ben Davies.
The captaincy, bestowed upon him by Warren Gatland (he co-captained the side with Jac Morgan last year), has come with its challenges. Wales’ performances during 2024, resulting in a wooden spoon in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations and a litany of bruising encounters in the Autumn Nations Series, would be enough to test the most experienced of captains’ resolve. Yet Lake has handled the pressure with remarkable maturity, fronting up to the media again and again with a cool but passionate demeanour.
In defeat, he has stood front and centre, and while being one of his country’s best-performing players, taking responsibility while never losing sight of the team’s potential for resurgence. His emotional post-match interviews, reflecting both his frustration and his love for the red jersey, have been moments of raw authenticity, endearing him to a rugby public yearning for passion and purpose.
Lake’s trajectory has not gone unnoticed when discussions have centred around summer 2025. He has been widely tipped as a starting hooker for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, a remarkable achievement for someone still relatively early in his Test career (Lake has 20 caps). His ability to lead, inspire, and perform under pressure marks him out as a player destined for great things. The Lions would be the perfect stage for Lake to cement his place among the game’s elite, and provide a much-needed release from the ongoing troubles with his national team.
As Wales look ahead to a crucial 2025, with a Guinness Six Nations just a couple of months away, Lake’s role will be pivotal. He represents the new wave of Welsh rugby: athletic, articulate, and unyieldingly proud of his roots. In many ways, he is the antithesis of the struggles that have plagued Welsh rugby this year: a symbol of hope, and a reminder that even in the darkest times, the seeds of future success can take root.
For now, Lake remains grounded, focused on the task at hand. But make no mistake, this is a player who has the potential to shape the future of Welsh rugby, not just as a captain, but as a symbol of renewal.
In Dewi Lake, Wales may have found their anchor for the storms ahead.
