Not many rugby players will celebrate their 10th professional game in Dublin against reigning Six Nations champions Ireland.
But not many players are Cardiff and now Wales international Mackenzie Martin. Wales’ 31-7 defeat at the Aviva Stadium took the 20-year-old to double figures after the 6ft 5in number eight burst onto the scene this season.
Martin has spoken about his pride at his background from Cardiff suburb Ely where children try to copy his hairstyle, his admiration at his hard-working father, his hero Taulupe Faletau and the importance of his faith.
‘Biggest moment of my life’
Martin came on in the second half at the Aviva Stadium for Cardiff team-mate Alex Mann.
“It was probably the biggest moment of my life so far,” said Martin.
“It’s crazy and hasn’t sunk in yet. I don’t think it will until the season’s over, until we chill out and look back.
“It didn’t faze me. The Friday night before the game, I was more nervous than Saturday. It was fine when we got on the pitch and warmed up.
“Even on the way there, I wasn’t that nervous. I was more composed than anything, trying to keep my mind on the task.
“Going to those big stadiums, with the amount of pressure people feel, I’ve enjoyed it. I think it makes me play better when I’m under pressure.”
Martin’s family had travelled over to watch.
“I think they felt it more than me,” said Mackenzie.
“I was in the moment, fixated on the game and trying to win. But then I came off the pitch, they were crying.
“When I got back home also, my family who couldn’t make it out to Ireland they were all crying and stuff. It was emotional.”
Martin has achieved his international cap after only nine professional games for Cardiff with five starts and four replacement appearances.
“It’s been crazy,” he said.
“I started the season with Cardiff RFC and then luckily ‘Jockey’ (head coach Matt Sherratt) gave me the chance to play for Cardiff Rugby.
“I took the opportunity and that’s exactly what I want to do here with Wales.”
Hard work pays off
Martin admits a rugby career was never a foregone conclusion.
“Last year, when I was playing for Cardiff and just before the Wales Under-20s, they weren’t sure if they were going to give me another contract,” said Martin.
“I played well for the Wales Under-20s, so luckily I did get another one. But that was probably the moment where I thought, it could go either way.
“I wasn’t worried too much about the future but it’s in the back of your mind. To be honest, I didn’t have a Plan B. I backed myself to get a deal and luckily I did.
“If rugby hadn’t worked out, I’m sure I’d be working hard at something else.”
Those traits come from his experiences growing up in the Cardiff suburb that is regarded as one of the poorest areas in Wales but is a place he and his family are proud of.
“I am definitely hard-working, I’m rough around the edges,” said Martin.
“Growing up, it wasn’t the easiest as anybody can imagine. But my family has always been great and I’ve learned from them.
“My brothers, especially my older brother and my dad, they let me know that it doesn’t matter where I come from, I can still make something of myself.
“I was always going to work hard because my dad’s the hardest worker I know, so I take a lot from him.
“He’s actually retired now. He’s got arthritis in his back, so he can’t work anymore. He’s done loads of jobs, always put food on the table.
“He’s worked in warehouses, delivered milk, he’s done loads of things. He had a little business at one time, so he’s always been on the go, always feeding us, that type of thing.
“Even when he didn’t want to, he would get up early in the morning and still go to work every day without fail. No matter if he was hurting, no matter how tired he was.
“So that gives me inspiration when I’m tired, I still get up and go.”
Inspiring and being inspired
Martin hopes his achievements can inspire the next generation.
“I hope I can be a trailblazer, I hope the kids are going to look up to me,” said Martin.
Kevin Keegan’s perm, JPR’s sideburns and Aaron Ramsey’s 2016 peroxide blonde look are all iconic hairstyles from sporting greats, copied by the schoolchildren that idolised their heroes.
‘Martin’s mullet’ can now be added to that list.
“When I went down the other week, even before I made my debut, there were a good few of them copying my hair cut,” said Martin.
“All of theirs looked better than mine, so I was a bit jealous.”
Martin had his own hero growing up in now Cardiff team-mate Taulupe Faletau, who is currently injured.
“Taulupe Falatau is the man,” said Martin.
“I didn’t watch much regional rugby when I was young, I watched films with my dad and stuff but we would always watch Wales together.
“Every time we would see him [Faletau], my dad would say he is amazing. When I transitioned to the back row, I was about 16, I was always trying to follow in his footsteps and how he played the game.
“We are a little bit different as players, but it’s the way he works around the field and carries himself. That was the inspiration.
“I haven’t been fortunate to train with him yet, because he has been injured. It’s absolutely crazy just being able to pick his brains.
“He’s always been my favourite player. He’s one of the biggest stars and before the Ireland game, I sat down and had coffee with him, he was so welcoming.
“He’s just amazing to work with. He’s one of the best number eights in the world, for me the best, so if I can even replicate that a little bit, I’d be doing myself proud.”
Keeping faith and future goals
Religion is important to both Mackenzie and Faletau.
“My faith is massively important,” said Martin.
“Kids growing up, they need something to put their effort into, especially where I’m from.
“Everybody always thinks rugby put me on the right path. But it was God that helped me do that and put that opportunity into my life.
“That’s how strong my faith is. That’s why I always say, ‘all glory to God’ and stuff like that because I wouldn’t have had opportunities without him.”
The next opportunity Martin hopes for is a first international start, with home Six Nations matches against France and Italy to follow.
“The dream is to get a start,” he said.
“When they think I’m ready, I’m sure they’ll put me in.
“But until then, I’ll keep working hard until I’m blessed with an opportunity to do so.”
