WHEN Tonga-born Toby Faletau wins his first cap for Wales today, it will owe much to the warmth and hospitality of the Gwent Valleys.

The 20-year-old number eight had an outstanding season for the Newport Gwent Dragons, which will be capped when/if he plays for his adopted homeland against the Barbarians.

But things could have turned out differently after Toby’s homesick dad Kuli, 47, exchanged Tonga’s capital Nuku’alofa for Ebbw Vale in 1997.

The 6ft 6in second row was a Tonga international, working as a civil servant in his homeland when he was recruited for the Steelmen by Gwent-born agent Phil Kingsley-Jones.

After initially feeling homesick, it was Gwent's warm welcome which prompted him to bring over wife Vika and children Steve, 25, Josh, 21 and Toby, who are now settled in Pontypool.

Mr Faletau, a security guard, said: "The first week here, I was so homesick. But, the people were just the friendliest I’d met, they made me feel like this is my home."

While Mr Faletau calls Gwent his second home, he says Toby is as Welsh as he is Tongan and has told him to sing the national anthem on Saturday with his "mind, soul and heart".

Toby played for RTB Ebbw Vale juniors and then his schools, Pontnewynydd Primary and Trevethin Comprehensive, but never considered a professional rugby career after going under the Dragons’ radar.

Ironically, it was when he went to study at Bristol’s Filton College, that he was spotted by Dragons’ scouts.

After representing Wales at under-20 level, Toby has signed a new two-year development contract with the Dragons. He said: "A big ambition is the World Cup, but I’m just taking things step-by-step at the moment."

The Faletaus keep in touch with family members back home on the internet, but have not visited Tonga since 2004.