Fledgling flanker Harry Beddall says it was an honour to follow in the footsteps of his idol Sam Warburton and captain Wales in the Six Nations Under-18s Festival.

Beddall, who recently swapped childhood club Cardiff Blues for Leicester Tigers, led from the front as Wales finished their stay in Ireland with a hard-fought win over Scotland.

Beddall’s young side came from behind on more than one occasion to win 35-29 in a thriller at Energia Park, leaving the 18-year-old to reflect gleefully on a job well done.

“We’re really chuffed,” he said.

“It’s our first win of the campaign and we really had to dig deep for the full 70 to get a positive result.

“I don’t think things have stuck for us much but it all clicked in this match and I think we looked really dangerous in parts.”

Beddall has been a mainstay of a Wales side who saved their best performance until last following defeats against Italy and Ireland.

The openside believes the exposure to international calibre opposition has encouraged the side to think more like professionals, something they will carry with them for the rest of their careers.

“The main thing we’ve learnt from the competition is how to adapt and do your analytical stuff off the field to know what you’re going to come up against,” he said.

“We’ve also learnt in all three games that we need to start quickly because we haven’t done that at all and against good teams once you’re behind, it could be game over.

“On a personal level, my leadership has really improved.

“It’s a big step up leading your country and there are different ways of leading when you are losing as you don’t want anyone’s head to drop so it’s about ensuring we keep our focus on the next job.”

Beddall grew up dreaming of playing for Wales but never imagined he would have the chance to captain his country.

A disciple of the 74-cap Wales legend and fellow No.7 Warburton, Beddall says he will be forever grateful for the chance to emulate his childhood hero.

“It’s huge and doesn’t get bigger than this,” he said. “Representing your country at this level is cool and I’m chuffed to have been able to do it.

“It’s been a long, tough ride but we’ve gelled as a team, bonded a lot and it’s been great to share it with this group.

“I’ll look back on the experience with fond memories.”

“I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunity given to me by the coaches and I’m really thankful to have done it.”

The Six Nations Under-18 Festivals are a vital development platform for future starts of the men’s and women’s game, extending to match officials and coaches. To find out more, visit: www.sixnationsrugby.com