ROBIN WEDLAKE could have the Belgium selectors on the telephone if he impresses for Plymouth Albion this season.
The 20-year-old Cornish-born winger qualifies for the emerging rugby nation through his Flemish father.
“I’m half Belgian,” he revealed. “Half Cornish, half Belgian.”
But Wedlake, who also qualifies for England, admits it is far too early in his career to even think about international rugby.
“It could happen in a few years, but we’ll have to see where my rugby career goes,” he said.
His first priority is to try and get in Albion’s team after joining from National Two South side Redruth this summer.
“I would definitely like to get a few starts, but I’m not sure what the season holds yet,” said Wedlake, who has only had one full campaign of senior league rugby.
“But I’d like to be part of the team throughout the year.”
Wedlake, who was born in Truro but brought up in Redruth, has been shocked at out how quickly things have changed for him.
When he ran out at Brickfields at the end of April for Cornwall in the Tamar Cup match against Devon, Wedlake never dreamed that a couple of months later he would be playing there permanently and be a Twickenham cup final winner.
“I like Brickfields. I have played here three times,” he said. “Once with Cornwall under-17s, then with my university and then a few months ago against Devon. I didn’t think then I would be here a few months later playing for Plymouth.”
That match at Brickfields helped Wedlake secure his place in Cornwall’s side for their County Championship campaign, which ended with them beating Lancashire at Twickenham to claim their first title since 1999.
Wedlake is one of seven members of the successful Duchy squad who have joined Albion this summer.
“We had a great campaign with Cornwall,” said Wedlake. “And it’s nice that I’ll be playing again with many of that team.
“It’s always nice to join a club and know a few boys and see friendly faces.
“Playing at Twickenham was really nice. Unfortunately, I didn’t get as much ball as I wished for, but it was still really good.”
Former Truro College pupil Wedlake, who turns 21 next month, is enjoying life at Albion so far.
“It’s a really good experience,” he said. “It is hard work but I am getting used to it now and the early starts.
“There is a really good bunch of boys here. We’re all young so we are all getting on.
“I’m living with a few of the boys from club near the railway station, which is ideal.
“I know playing for Albion is going to be a big step up. It’s the professional aspect of it. The boys here are really pushing their bodies.
“It is definitely going to be that bit harder, but I’m ready for it. Pre-season is going to get me there.”