So good was Holmes over the three weeks that he was subsequently nominated for the IRB Under 19 Player of the Year gong, which he went on to lift in Glasgow in November.
“I went over to the awards and was just stoked to be there with the calibre of players present. And then to win the award - I was a bit shocked I think,” he said.
“They said my name and I just sat there for a bit but it was amazing. I guess it was a dream come true.”
Success with the Under 19 side was also to serve as an immediate catalyst as he went on to win rave reviews for his performances at the IRB Under 21 World Championship and subsequently for Australia A.
This season Holmes has also played a star role for Glen Ella’s Australia Sevens team on the IRB Sevens World Series.
The number 9's accelerated fast track recently carried him to a Super 14 debut for the Waratahs against the Brumbies, but the same side has secured his services from next season. No coincidence, surely, that the move occurs just as George Gregan’s departure seems set to leave a yawning gap at scrum half with the Canberra franchise.
“It is a big step to move away from everything that I've got here,” said Holmes. “I guess living at home is the safe option but I'm excited to take on a new challenge. I’m looking forward to it.”
Australia's current crop play Wales for third place in the IRB Under 19 World Championship 2007 at Belfast’s Ravenhill on Saturday 21 April.