The 20-year-old Welsh centre who stands 6'5 drawing comparisons to Roberts

Uncapped Cardiff centre Mason Grady is already drawing comparisons with Welsh greats Jamie Roberts and George North ahead of a potential Wales debut in the upcoming Six Nations.

One of four uncapped players unveiled in returning head coach Warren Gatland’s Six Nations squad, Grady is a prodigious talent that was first signed as an 18-year-old by Cardiff.

His ability was on show in last year’s under-20 Summer Series final against South Africa where he powered straight over the fullback and glided seamlessly around the covering winger to score.

The rangey midfielder possesses incredible height which has already drawn comparisons to former Wales midfielder Jamie Roberts and power wing George North already.

Here's a glimpse of new Welsh call up Mason Grady, the 6'5" and 110kg outside centre for Cardiff. Big Talent. pic.twitter.com/z4iKvvbAf4

— Andrew Forde (@andrewfrugby) January 17, 2023

Grady began showing glimpses of his potential at the top level almost immediately, in his first professional start slipping through the grasp of Springbok midfielder Damian de Allende.

18 year old Mason Grady breaks the tackle of World Cup winner Damian de Allende on his first start for Cardiff in February 2021. pic.twitter.com/YJCk3QH4IC

— Andrew Forde Cardiff (@Cardiff_AndrewF) December 1, 2021

This season the No 13 has overcome a run of injuries to play consistently in the URC with Cardiff, logging 18 appearances which was enough for Gatland to make the bold selection.

Since Scarlets veteran centre Jonathan Davies made the move to inside centre in the twilight stages of his career, Wales have not been able to uncover the next generation option with wing George North filling in frequently as well as former England age-grade rep Nick Tompkins.

However, speculation is already growing that Grady’s size and power is more suited to playing 12 the way that Gatland used Roberts, as a gain-line machine off set-piece.

Mason Grady at 12 for Wales?
Had a few conversations over the last 2-3 months about him and his skill set. Hybrid Jamie Roberts/Sonny Bill… not that I want to heap that pressure on the lad!! Big future ahead. #6Nations

— CT71 (@christombs71) January 17, 2023

On Mason Grady, Cardiff’s first two tries against Newcastle really summed up his central threat. For both of him, he was the man to cross the gain-line and suck in defenders creating the gaps for others. One tackler is not enough.

— Simon Thomas (@simonrug) January 17, 2023

He’s a 13 and I think offers much more in attack than a crash ball 12 JR style. But… Jamie was a winger/fullback until Gatland got his hands on him so it wouldn’t surprise me if he did similar with Grady!

— Andrew Forde (@andrewfrugby) January 17, 2023

Cardiff Rugby released video with their two new potential debutants, where Grady expressed his disbelief at receiving his first Wales call-up.

“I’m buzzing. I’m really surprised because I didn’t expect to get the call-up to be honest. When the boys told me I thought they were taking the mick so I am absolutely buzzing,” he told Cardiff Rugby.

“I didn’t even know Teddy had made it so that is class. I’ve played with him since Year 12 so to go into that squad with him is unbelievable. Growing up in Wales as a kid this is all you want really so I’m super proud and hopefully I have done my family proud. Hopefully I can get a cap soon.”

😍 Things you love to see…

It was great to catch the reaction as @TeddyWils303 and @MasonGrady were named as uncapped players in the @welshrugbyunion @sixnationsrugby squad.

Llongyfarchiadau Mason and Teddy!

8️⃣ Blue and Blacks included in total 👇

— Cardiff Rugby (@Cardiff_Rugby) January 17, 2023