Joe Heyes experienced a moment of disbelief when he scored his first try for England in the Six Nations match against Wales. This try, his third in nearly six years across club and country, was a significant milestone for the prop.

Heyes, who has made almost 160 appearances for Leicester Tigers with only one try to his name, joked about his rarity in scoring. "I never score," he laughed during an interview with BBC Radio Leicester. The moment was surreal for him, as he questioned if it was even allowed for him to score.

The emotional impact of the try was profound, not just for Heyes but for his family as well. "Seeing my Dad after the game, I had friends in the stands with him and they were holding his hand as he was crying. It is all a bit ridiculous, but he was very proud of me," Heyes shared.

Heyes' journey back to the England squad was not without its challenges. After being overlooked for two years and three months, he used the 'hurt' of being sidelined to fuel his determination. His hard work paid off when he was called into the Six Nations squad, though he remained cautious about his chances of playing.

Under the guidance of former Leicester Tigers boss Steve Borthwick, Heyes re-established himself in the England squad. His perseverance and dedication to the sport have been evident, as he continues to push for a spot in the national team. "I try to stay ready for anything and never assume anything. Whatever role I got in the team, I just wanted to do that as best as I could," Heyes stated.

Heyes' story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the emotional highs that come with achieving one's dreams in the world of rugby.