Warren Gatland is eyeing Welsh-qualified players in England for the upcoming Six Nations squad amid injury concerns and selection challenges
Cardiff: So, Warren Gatland is gearing up for some serious selection meetings this week. With the Six Nations squad announcement coming up next Monday, he’s got some tough choices to make.
It’s always a bit of a juggling act, right? Most of the squad will be pretty much set, but there are definitely a few spots that are still up for grabs. And let’s not forget about those Welsh players playing across the Severn Bridge who could really add some depth.
We all know the usual suspects like Nick Tompkins and Gareth Anscombe, but there are some lesser-known Welsh-qualified players in the Gallagher Premiership who might just surprise us. They could be the hidden gems Gatland needs.
Take Jack Innard from Exeter Chiefs, for example. He’s been mentioned as a possible short-term fix for the hooker position, especially with Dewi Lake out for the Six Nations. It’s a bit of a mess with injuries, so Gatland might have to dig deep.
Then there’s the young talent like Kepu Tuipulotu, who’s making waves but seems to be leaning towards sticking with England. It’s a tough spot for Wales, trying to snag these promising players.
And how about Zack Wimbush? This guy is a beast at 6ft 6in and 118kg. He’s been tearing it up and could be a real asset for the squad. Plus, Tom Lockett from Northampton Saints is another one to watch. He’s huge and has been performing well.
Gatland’s got some solid options, but it’s all about finding the right fit. Olly Cracknell, who’s been doing great at Leicester, could also be a game-changer. He’s got the experience and the skills to make an impact.
And let’s not forget about Joe Jenkins from Bristol Bears. He’s got a knack for making plays and could be a future star for Wales. There’s a lot of talent out there, and Gatland’s got his work cut out for him.
With all these dual-qualified players, it’s a bit of a race against time. The Welsh Rugby Union is under pressure to secure these talents before they slip away. It’s going to be an interesting few weeks ahead!
