BARRY’S Mason Grady made a great start to his Wales international career in what can only be described as having been thrown straight into the fire!

Grady, a former Ysgol Bro Morgannwg and Ysgol Sant Curig pupil, made his debut against the auld enemy England yesterday in Cardiff.

Despite the result - Wales went down to a 20-10 defeat - Grady has received largely positive reviews for his performance, with the Sunday Times sport supplement rating him 8/10 in the match.

Twenty-year-old Grady, who plays for Cardiff, replaced George North in the side.

Grady towers above many, including rugby players, being 6ft 5ins and more than 17st.

The half-brother of ex-Wales centre Cory Allen, BBC Sport described Grady’s attributes as “obvious”.

In the pre-match press conference, Wales coach Warren Gatland seemed delighted to have a man of Grady’s mammoth stature in the squad.

"He's a big lad and has some really lovely skills and offloading ability. He's also quick, so he's the kind of centre that is going to have it all going forward,” said Gatland.

Former Wales coach Wayne Pivac, who originally brought Grady into the squad, described Grady as “big”, “fast” and “strong”, while ex-Wales international Sam Warburton said: “He’s big, tall, aggressive, with great skills. He could be a mainstay in the squad for us.”

Sunday Times reported that Grady, along with young Osprey Joe Hawkins, deserved their chances, and both looked sharp and able. The Times picked out Grady’s size as “significant”.

The people of Barry were proud as punch of the local lad coming seriously good.

Comments on Facebook ahead of the game included “brilliant news”, “well done” and “good luck”.

And good luck in your next game Grady – here’s to a long and successful career.