Dan Thomas is being called 'one of the best players in England' and he's desperate to play for Wales
There are very few players who finds positives from regional rugby rejection in Wales.
And even fewer have had a Wallabies legend keeping his back-row spot warm, when sidelined by injury.
But that's the rapid steps Bristol Bears flanker Dan Thomas has made in English rugby's top flight since being told by the Scarlets his services were no longer required back in 2014.
His move across the Severn to Gloucester didn't exactly go swimmingly for the Wales Under-20s flanker, with just 16 appearances over the course of three seasons.
He left Kingsholm for west country rivals Bristol for the start of their 2017-18 season in the Greene King IPA Championship.
Now after just one full season among some of the best back-row players in world rugby, former England prop turned esteemed rugby pundit David Flatman, has picked out Thomas as one of his Premiership players of the season.
Flatman told Channel Five's Gallagher Premiership show: "I hadn't heard much about Dan Thomas before this season, but he's been one of my players of the season.
"He's kept George Smith on the bench and he's been fantastic. And one season in the Premiership Bristol have got a real identity.
"We know exactly what they're about, they're great to watch, they're all buying in."
His 16 appearances in the top flight this season and glowing praise from one of rugby's best TV analysts is all a far cry from 2014 when being a shown the Parc y Scarlets exit door.
Instead of focussing on the negatives of regional rejection, Thomas used the snub as impetus to reinvent himself across in England, even though his first attempts in Gloucester fell flat.
"When I left the Scarlets I was really frustrated but looking back I can happily say it's the best thing that ever happened to me because it gave me the kick up the arse I needed. I wouldn't be in Bristol today if that hadn't happened."
Dan Thomas
While Welsh Under-20 team-mates like Hallam Amos, Ellis Jenkins, Sam Davies, Elliot Dee and Nicky Smith have gone on to win senior international caps, Thomas is among those in a long queue of Welsh opensides waiting for a chance to don the red jersey.
Having seen Wasps star Thomas Young play in Wales' Six Nations Grand Slam this season through his performances in the English Premiership, it gives Thomas the impetus to carry on trying to win that elusive senior cap.
"The main goal for every player should be representing their country and it is always in the back of my mind, but I need to ensure I perform well for Bristol," he added.
"I've had no contact from the Welsh coaches. Wales have loads of great sevens at the moment while there's also Thomas Young and Sam Lewis playing in the Premiership.
"There is good competition for the Wales seven shirt and that's always healthy, but I'm confident if I keep performing well then I've got a chance.
"Look at Thomas (Young). He's been brilliant for Wasps and one of their stand-out performers. He's got his Wales caps off his Premiership performances and I've got a lot of respect for what he's done."
Thomas will have even greater back-row resources alongside him next season with England international Nathan Hughes arriving from Wasps to compliment the likes of All Blacks flanker Steven Luatua.
"We've signed some big players but Pat (Lam) has put a lot of emphasis on the core of the squad which is going to be there week in, week out," said Thomas, who has scored eight tries in his 34 Bristol appearances and has a deal with the Bears to 2021.
"And I'd like to think I'm one of those core players.
"Pat's given me confidence to go out there and show what I can do, but I can't be complacent because I need to earn my spot.
"I think next season and in the seasons to come we should be winning silverware."
