Ten years ago Keddie’s exploits for Wales Under-20s Six Nations Grand Slam-winning side earned an invite to help the seniors prepare for their autumn series.
Then 20, he was joined by Dragons tight-head prop Leon Brown, Ospreys wing Keelan Giles and Cardiff full-back Rhun Williams to help Rob Howley’s squad prepare for fixtures against Australia, Argentina, Japan and South Africa.
Almost a decade after getting a taste of international standards alongside Sam Warburton, Dan Lydiate and Justin Tipuric, Keddie returns as a fully-fledged member of the squad.
Like Olly Cracknell, who made his Wales debut in the autumn at the age of 31, it is a triumph for resilience.
“I guess I probably just had a mindset of focusing on performances for the Dragons and not worrying past that,” said Keddie, who can play across the back row.
“I just wanted to see where that would get me eventually and I just feel incredibly privileged to have been deemed good enough to get called up.
“I am looking forward to testing myself to see how much better I can get and to see what I can learn.”
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