Now, aged 32, the Welshman is an international head coach as the man in charge of Poland after a remarkable journey.
Hitt worked to promote rugby in Wales for several years, but when his day job with the WRU started to hold him back from his coaching dream, he looked elsewhere.
After stints with Wales Sevens, Samurai Rugby, and Germany, Hitt took matters into his own hands. He said: “The opportunities I was looking for weren’t available in Wales, so I created my own path.
“I’ve built my own reputation because I am not an ex-professional or former international. My background is that I’ve worked with everyone from three-year-old kids to senior internationals.
“Not being an ex-professional has been an issue and a blocker for me. It was a bit like ‘Chris is just doing this as a bit of a jolly’ and it has been difficult and challenging. You do get looks from people which almost say ‘Well, what have you done?’
“I’m conscious of my reputation in coaching because I don’t have one as a player. I’m more critical on myself than others would be because of that.
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Denne historien er fra May 30, 2021-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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England show who's No.1
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Stephens' debut try sees off old rivals
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