Considering the extensive periods Jacob Beetham has spent off the pitch in recent years, his current happiness simply comes from being out on the field, irrespective of the jersey number he is assigned.
This season, the 24-year-old’s adaptability has been thoroughly leveraged by Cardiff Rugby, with him appearing at full-back, on the wing, and in both centre positions.
He has worn the 15 jersey four times, played one match at 14, another at 13, and has sported numbers 23 four times and 22 once.
His capacity to adapt was once again evident last weekend when he started at full-back against Exeter at Sandy Park, but concluded the EPCR Challenge Cup fixture in the centre. He is also set to cover multiple positions in this Saturday’s BKT URC clash with Benetton Rugby at the Arms Park.
For the youngster born in Brecon, it has truly been a situation defined by differing roles and numbers.
Fixture
United Rugby Championship
Cardiff Rugby
Benetton
However, he expresses no dissatisfaction about this, having endured nearly a year out of the sport due to significant knee ligament damage, followed by being limited to just five appearances last season after undergoing ankle surgery.
“It has been gratifying to accumulate game time,” he remarked.
“I’ve obviously been shifting roles, which is new, but it has been positive.”
“My primary objective coming back from injury was simply to return to playing on the field.”
“If I’m needed to perform a role anywhere, I will always have confidence in my abilities.”
“It’s certainly been a novel experience, but I feel I’ve embraced it and simply adapted.”
Regarding his preferred playing spot, he responds: “That’s a question I’m still attempting to resolve.”
“I honestly couldn’t give a definitive answer. I am still figuring it out. Truly, it can differ from one game to the next.”
“Ultimately, if I am actively involved in the game and getting possession of the ball, that’s what I enjoy.”
“I just want to participate. I hadn’t experienced a consistent sequence of matches for several years, so I’m not particularly particular. I just wish to be able to demonstrate my capabilities, regardless of where I am placed.”
The 6ft 2ins, 15st 10lbs Beetham continued: “At the end of the day, if I leave the pitch without injury, I am content.”
“I’ve encountered my fair share of injuries over the last two or three years, and when that occurs, your outlook changes because you feel it could all conclude in an instant. You never know, particularly in a sport like rugby.”
“Going through all that is difficult. It’s challenging for anyone to experience.”
“That’s precisely why it’s so rewarding when you do get to step onto the pitch.”
“Professional sport is rarely without obstacles, and you cannot truly control factors like injuries.”
“It’s simply a matter of maintaining patience, and when opportunities arise, performing your best and striving to contribute as much as possible to the team.”
“I feel vindicated for persevering through the difficult periods and reaching a point where I am actively playing again. That is sufficient for me right now.”
Somewhat ironically, one position Beetham has not played in this season is the one he predominantly occupied throughout his early rugby career.
“I spent most of my age-grade development playing at fly-half (number 10) as I progressed,” stated the product of Brecon RFC.
“Then, when we reached the U18s and U20s national level, I gradually transitioned more towards being a full-back.”
Regarding his childhood inspirations, he had numerous options to admire given the exceptionally talented Welsh team of that era.
“I thoroughly enjoyed attending the stadium to watch the matches,” he recalls.
“I suppose it was the golden age with players like Gavin Henson, Shane Williams, James Hook, and all those remarkable athletes competing.”
“I genuinely enjoyed watching Henson play. He was an exceptional talent on the field. There are so many players I could list from that period, but I particularly liked observing his play.”
“More recently, there have been figures such as Sam Warburton, George North, Jonathan Davies, and Leigh Halfpenny. I looked up to them immensely.”
Upon joining the Cardiff Academy as a teenager, Beetham’s skill was acknowledged when he received a call-up to Wales U20s, subsequently earning seven caps.
He made his regional debut at full-back in an Investec Champions Cup encounter against Toulouse at the Arms Park in December 2021, but then, the following September, he sustained a cruciate knee ligament tear, sidelining him for the entire campaign.
He recovered impressively the subsequent season, establishing himself as a regular member of the Cardiff match-day squad, with his performances attracting the attention of international selectors – and not just those from Wales.
Scotland coach Gregor Townsend attempted to recruit him, having discovered a family qualification, but his efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful.
“There were some discussions about that, but I am from Wales, and that was the decision I made,” Beetham affirmed.
His choice was rewarded with a call-up from Warren Gatland at the conclusion of the season.
The New Zealander coach believed he possessed the potential to perform at fly-half (number 10) at the international level, harking back to his earlier playing days.
Thus, Beetham made his Wales debut as a replacement fly-half against the reigning world champions South Africa at Twickenham in June 2024.
Selection for the summer tour of Australia followed, but that journey proved frustrating as a persistent ankle problem – which eventually necessitated surgery – confined him to observing from the sidelines.
The same scenario unfolded earlier this season when he was included in the autumn international squad by new Wales coach Steve Tandy, but failed to make an appearance due to a combination of minor injuries and illness.
He has not been selected for the Guinness Six Nations, but there is ample to concentrate on at Cardiff, with this weekend’s league fixture against fellow play-off hopefuls Benetton at the Arms Park being a critical encounter.
“Playing at home in front of our supporters, it’s about taking pride in truly battling for victories here and making it a challenging venue for visiting teams,” Beetham states.
