FORMER Monmouth School head boy Hallam Amos will be sporting a Wales cap tomorrow evening and a British Lion who has aided his rapid rise has backed the teenager to take Test rugby in his stride.

The 19-year-old from Cross Ash, who has made just 26 appearances for Newport Gwent Dragons, will line up on the wing against Tonga.

When he trots out at the Millennium Stadium he will follow in the footsteps of fellow Monmouth School alumni Eddie Butler, Richard Parks, Keith Jarrett and John Gwilliam in representing his country on the rugby field.

Amos first started playing rugby at the school under the watchful eye of coach and housemaster John Bevan, a dual-code international with Wales and Great Britain.

"We knew that this day would come, but we didn't expect it to be so soon," said Bevan, who won 10 caps on the wing.

"We are very proud and it is fairytale stuff seeing the head boy, who only a few months ago was reading out notices in assembly, set to play for Wales.

"It's brave of the Welsh management but they will get the rewards because Hallam has got all of the tools to succeed.

"He is mature, grounded and well worth a shot. It's not a gamble, Friday is the perfect chance to see if he is up to it and I am sure he will be."

Amos started out as a forward when he had a slightly heftier build but it didn't take long for his talent to show.

The ease with which he cut through the opposition defence on a tour to Lancashire forced his coaches to make an early substitution.

It's unlikely that Warren Gatland will have to do the same at the Millennium Stadium but Bevan is confident that his former protégé can thrive against Tonga.

"Hallam is a big, fast, well-balanced runner," said Bevan. "His timing is superb whether it's a sidestep, pass, hand-off or tackle.

"Hallam has all the physical attributes and is bright both on and off the field. It's about recognising situations and putting what he has learnt into practice in the heat of the moment.

"Every time that a player steps up a level they will find things faster and harder but Hallam has taken it all in his stride and is mentally tough."

And there will be plenty of viewers on the banks of the River Wye hoping their old head boy shows his class.