The Bonymaen product has already tested himself against some of the best players in the world, including Ireland’s Paul O’Connell, as part of the Ospreys’ Guinness Pro 12 campaign in recent weeks.

Over the coming weeks he will be gaining fantastic experience and exposure leading the Welsh team whose tournament begins today (Tuesday 2^nd June) against France, followed by group matches against England on Saturday 6^th June and Japan on Wednesday 10^th June. All of Wales’ matches will be shown live on S4C.

A number of Wales’ current international stars have featured in this tournament in recent years, including Leigh Halfpenny, Sam Warburton and Jonathan Davies, proving that it is an excellent platform and opportunity for Rory Thornton and his team-mates to showcase their talents.

Rory has a busy summer ahead as he is also one of the nine uncapped players who have been named in Wales’ 47-man Rugby World Cup training squad.

The future is looking bright for Rory with Wales under-20 head coach Allan Lewis already likening him to Swansea University graduate – Wales and British and Irish Lions legend Alun Wyn Jones.

Dr Stephen Mellalieu, Senior Lecturer in the College of Engineering said: “Rory is a very mature, focused and determined individual, who has made excellent progress within the professional game, and has been rewarded for his endeavours with the Wales U20s captaincy.

“He has made a very positive impression upon the Ospreys coaching staff within the senior environment and is expected to play a significant part in their 2015-16 season.”

For more information about Sports Science at Swansea University visit www.swansea.ac.uk/sports-science.