Gabriel Hamer-Webb could almost have a cigar in his hand.

Reclined on a sofa at Leicester Tigers' training ground, dressed in casual sportswear, the Wales wing looks entirely at ease.

But there is an intensity to him. His large, friendly oval eyes are engaging, even as his gaze remains unwavering. He maintains eye contact, considers his answers carefully and speaks with striking precision.

At times, it feels less like interviewing a rugby player and more like talking to a film director about his latest work. Someone completely immersed in his craft, fascinated by the details that most of us never notice.

And, as it turns out, not entirely satisfied with the finished product.

"Even the game I scored five tries, I'd be like, well, I missed the sixth, and that's the only thing I'll think about," Hamer-Webb told the Scrum V podcast.

Hamer-Webb represented England at under-20 level, began his professional career at Bath and spent time in New Zealand with Southland before joining Cardiff.

He scored 12 tries in 24 appearances, but a Wales call-up never came.

Instead, Leicester Tigers provided a fresh start.

"I'd say the way my career's gone, it's taken knocks," said Hamer-Webb.

His confidence, he admits, had dropped to 60 or 70%. At Leicester, it has returned to something approaching 100%.

And after seven seasons as a professional, the 25-year-old finally made his Wales debut against Scotland in February.

But even during his prolific spell at Cardiff, he had begun to question his future, but Leicester has given him a different perspective.

"I think this version of myself understands how to get in the game more," he said.

"Now I look forward to hitting someone. I look forward to a breakdown. I enjoy the nitty-gritty of a game because here your effort is so much more recognised."

He talks with as much enthusiasm about tackles and breakdowns as he does about scoring. Even 20 minutes without touching the ball can present opportunities.

"There's 20 other opportunities here where I can really positively affect myself and get myself into this game."

For all his confidence and ambition, there is one achievement Hamer-Webb is still coming to terms with.

His Wales debut against Scotland in February was, by his own admission, "bittersweet".

"The occasion for my family was one that I'll never, ever forget. The reaction I got from my sisters and my mum when I told them I was playing was second to none," said Hamer-Webb.

"But I lost. And unfortunately, that will be the thing."

Wales were beaten by Scotland in Cardiff, and Hamer-Webb is painfully aware that his first international appearance did not go as he had hoped.

Yet the cap itself occupies a special place in his home.

"I can't let that blind me from what it actually was which was my first international cap which all which now hangs upon my wall and i'm very very proud of it."

He knows what that single appearance means. Friends have told him they would give anything to have achieved the same.

"Sometimes I look at it and I go, but I want more," he added.

"God, I want to play another game in that shirt and do even better and do even better in the next one."

Hamer-Webb was included in Wales' summer squad but did not play, leaving him still waiting for his second cap.

He spoke warmly of head coach Steve Tandy, particularly his ability to connect with players.

"The way he has energy for absolutely everyone and you can go to him and he'll switch on," said Hamer-Webb.

"He actually knows what you're going on about and what you have come to him for."

And the challenge of establishing himself at international level is one Hamer-Webb is relishing.

"The pressure is bigger, the challenge is bigger," he said. "But I'm really thriving off that now."

Our time is almost up. Hamer-Webb is still reclined on the sofa, his relaxed body-language barely altered by a conversation full of intense self-reflection.

One final question. Where does he want to be in a year's time, with the World Cup approaching in Australia?

"That's exactly where I want to be. Simple as that."

It is a short, emphatic answer. No hesitation, no qualification. A man who knows precisely what he wants.

It feels like a full stop.

Then, almost as an afterthought, he seemed to remember he was sitting at Leicester Tigers' training ground.

"Maybe with a Premiership medal," he added.

"A Premiership medal, wearing it down to Oz and going to go get another medal. That's where I want to be."