THE success story of Andrew Coombs is another timely reminder of the importance of club rugby.

It was a remarkable tale when Lloyd Burns went from bricklaying captain at Cross Keys to Wales hooker at the World Cup.

Less than two years later the trick has been repeated with Coombs going from a computer software salesman skippering Newport to being the pick of the pack in a Six Nations opener.

Why shouldn’t there be more? What’s to stop Dragons flanker Darren Waters pushing into the fray or Cross Keys hooker Gerwyn Price catching the eye with Glasgow?

The success stories should encourage the regions to give more players a go and for the national coaches to ignore a player’s background when picking a squad.

The Academies are important but there are other ways to the top and the clubs on a player’s CV don’t necessarily make them a better player.

Last week Cardiff Blues signed Liam Davies, allowing the scrum-half to complete a Tal Selley Grand Slam of the regions.

There will have been many players in the Premiership raising an eyebrow at that deal.

Sometimes there is better talent out there than the usual suspects.