Wales lock Adam Beard has been named as vice captain for the upcoming Six Nations Championship.
It is the latest step in what has been a remarkable resurgence for the Ospreys man, who is a popular figure in both his regional and national side.
Beard's formative years in the Test arena, under Warren Gatland, were the stuff of dreams. He won his first 13 Tests, which included the 2019 Grand Slam.
A sudden bout of appendicitis limited his involvement at the 2019 Rugby World Cup but, still, he appeared to be an important part of the plan.
Then, as the world grappled with the Covid-19 pandemic, new head coach Wayne Pivac dropped him cold for the 2020 autumn campaign.
Beard reacted like a pro. He went away, worked on his game and came back a better player.
He started four of the five matches during the successful 2021 Six Nations campaign and ended up becoming a Test Lion last summer.
Now he is the Wales captain's deputy.
"The good thing is he has got plenty of room for improvement, and he knows that," Pivac said of Beard. "There are parts of his game he is working on to improve, so that’s exciting.
"He is a player who has gone away and taken the setback very well.
"He has gone and done everything we have asked him to do, and he shows to other players that if you get disappointment, so long as you go away and take it in the right way - any constructive criticism coming your way and work on it - then there is no reason why you can’t come back and do very well at the top level of the game.
"I am very pleased with the effort he has put in. He has deserved all those selections along the way."
Those who think the role of the vice captain - formerly filled by centre Jonathan Davies, who backed up Alun Wyn Jones for a number of years - is redundant are ill-informed.
Biggar will have to go back to his club side Northampton during the Six Nations fallow weeks. Beard, who also runs Wales' lineout, will fill the void.
Whats more, Pivac also hinted that the Welsh management have high hopes for the towering 26-year-old.
Beyond the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the top job may be looming.
"We’re well aware that Dan [Biggar] and others will go back [to their clubs] for certain days of certain weeks," said Pivac.
"It’s important we have a leader ready to take over and in Adam Beard we have someone who we are earmarking for the future, post-World Cup probably.
"He’s a guy who we think has a big future, with leadership attached as well."
A little over a year ago, Beard was out of the picture.
Now look at him.
Want the latest Welsh rugby news sent straight to you? Look no further.
