Teddy Thomas insists he is just a typical 21-year-old.

Others disagree. And, it's fair to say that few people have used the word "ordinary" to describe the Racing Metro winger since he arrived on the international rugby stage with a bang last autumn.

A hat-trick against Fiji on his debut for Les Bleus - a feat achieved only once before by a Frenchman - followed up by a fabulous solo effort against Australia that showcased his power and balanced running proved that he is a far from a conventional talent.

Despite having earned only two caps, Thomas is already regarded as the poster boy of French rugby. He modestly seeks to deflect the attention.

"Obviously, I am flattered. I'm very proud," he said. "But whatever happens, I won't change. I am a straightforward person. I'm not the kind of guy who will buy big houses and fancy cars. Some people study. I happen to play rugby. Apart from that, my life is that of any 21 year old."

However, despite his best efforts to remain unaffected, there is an undoubted weight of expectation on the shoulders of Thomas, who has also helped his club into a share of pole position in the Top 14 and a quarter-final spot in the European Champions Cup.

One man who believes that pressure will not affect the player is French backs coach Patrice Lagisquet, the man who was in charge at Biarritz when Thomas rolled up as a callow youngster. On the evidence of those two international appearances to date, Lagisquet is correct. However, the player's rise to prominence has not been trouble free.

His scoring celebration against Fiji attracted attention, with some observers suggesting that his straight arm gesture was a political statement - the so-called quenelle that had seen footballer Nicolas Anelka sacked by West Bromwich Albion, and was associated with controversial French comedian Dieudonné M'bala M'bala.

Not so, insisted Thomas, who issued an unequivocal statement that distanced himself from any polemic and pointed out that it was a tribute to his grandmother, whose dates of birth and death are tattooed on his forearm.

He was again under the spotlight when he turned up late for a video session after the Test against Australia. Dropped from the squad for the match against Argentina, Thomas was contrite. Now back in the fold, he is conscious of the responsibility that accompanies his talent.

"Since then I have thought about and it is unfortunate that it happened,", he said. "I was punished as I deserved to be. When you are in the French team you are representing your country. Youngsters are looking at us. Mistakes help you to grow up. However, I would rather not have made it."

He is conscious of his growing profile but believes that any notion of forgetting his modest roots will be quashed by friends and relatives. Family is a recurring theme for Thomas who was raised by a single mother, aided by grandparents. He is conscious of their contribution to a career that stepped up a gear this season when he moved from his native Biarritz to Paris.

Citing the contributions of those who are close to him, he said: "I have a small family but it is solid. Where I am is thanks to them. It was my mum who paid for my first rugby licence. Today, I am trying to return that love to them."

And, referring to the man who introduced him to the game and was arguably the proudest of his entourage as the strains of La Marseillaise rung out around the Stade Velodrome in Marseille on his first international appearance, Thomas said: "My grandfather had two dreams - to see me play in the first team at Aguilera (home of Biarritz), and to be in the French team."

He admits that he is still learning and aspects of his game require work, notably a suspect defence which was exposed against Fiji. Nevertheless, it is as an attacking force that he is expected to shine over the coming weeks. And on the horizon is the World Cup in the autumn. All of France craves harmony at the moment, and later this year the rugby team will have an opportunity to emulate the efforts of their football counterparts who united a nation when they won the 1998 global title. While he can play a part in that, Thomas prefers to focus on short-term goals.

"Everybody thinks about it and dreams of playing in a competition like that, whether you are 20 or 30 years old - that's natural. I am desperate to be part of the group for the World Cup. I have to justify my place and that also means playing well for Racing Metro. But I am thinking about the Six Nations. Everything in its time."