[Olyy]

Congrats to WGJ, called up for Wales!

Not sure how that works with Wales' rules around players abroad, but like most Unions I think they just wing it - probably an extenuating circumstance due to Leon Brown's retirement

[RinTin]

Winnett and Max Llewelyn big omissions there.

Taine Basham not being included could push him towards exiting Welsh Rugby, someone we have been linked to previously.

[Yareet]

Congrats to WGJ, called up for Wales!

Not sure how that works with Wales' rules around players abroad, but like most Unions I think they just wing it - probably an extenuating circumstance due to Leon Brown's retirement

As I understand it, players outside Wales can be called up if they have sufficient caps already or if no Welsh region offered them a contract (e.g. IFW was eligible for Wales last year).

Given WGJ was in France and I think a free agent, I can only assume he wasn't offered anything in Wales.

[RinTin]

Warr and Reed not in Scotland Squad.

[Olyy]

Shame for Reed, but Scotland are pretty stacked in the backline and we've not been consistently playing him, which will harm his chances

Do Scotland have any 'A' fixtures coming up?
I thought England were playing them but just checked and it's actually Ireland

[ageinghoody]

Could Reed's irregular appearances be, at least partly, down to EQP considerations?

Yes, I realise the same could apply to Gus but I'd suggest we've had fewer alternatives for his slot.

[Olyy]

Reed called up!

[RinTin]

WGJ not in the Wales matchday 23.

Henry Thomas (once of this parish) starts, with the hopelessly inept Kieran Assiratti on the bench.

[Olyy]

Wales starting a centre with <10 games at flyhalf (and only one this season), at flyhalf, in Paris

Could be an absolute bloodbath

[RinTin]

My brother in law is Welsh - he is hoping Wales get totally exposed again so Gatland is sent packing. Strange selections across the park.

[Major Bloodnok]

WGJ not in the Wales matchday 23.

Not surprising, given that he failed an HIA on Sunday.

[ale shark]

My brother in law is Welsh - he is hoping Wales get totally exposed again so Gatland is sent packing. Strange selections across the park.

I get the impression Gatland would happily go now if there was someone wanting the job. Sadly for the competition Wales are in a pretty desperate state.

[RinTin]

Perhaps. Could also be linked to the WRU needing to bankrupt themselves in order to end his contract early.

[Surbiton_Shark]

WGJ not in the Wales matchday 23.

Henry Thomas (once of this parish) starts, with the hopelessly inept Kieran Assiratti on the bench.

Not heard that name for a long time!!! - did he go to a French club after leaving Bath?

[Yareet]

WGJ not in the Wales matchday 23.

Henry Thomas (once of this parish) starts, with the hopelessly inept Kieran Assiratti on the bench.

Not heard that name for a long time!!! - did he go to a French club after leaving Bath?

Yup

As an aside, I seem to remember that Henry had a family connection to Bath but came up to Manchester for uni. Hadn't realised that he was born much closer to you and me.

[Olyy]

WGJ starting for Wales this weekend!

[Bucks1861]

I know this isn’t the 6 N, but I’m pleased for our boys (inc the old boys):

“Rassie Erasmus has invited 20 overseas-based players to take part in a virtual alignment camp next month where he will set out his goals for the 2025 Springboks.


Virtual Springboks alignment camp squad

Damian de Allende, Lood de Jager (both Wild Knights)
Faf de Klerk, Jesse Kriel (both Canon Eagles)
Dan du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez (both Sale Sharks)

[RinTin]

I know this isn’t the 6 N, but I’m pleased for our boys (inc the old boys):

“Rassie Erasmus has invited 20 overseas-based players to take part in a virtual alignment camp next month where he will set out his goals for the 2025 Springboks.


Virtual Springboks alignment camp squad

Damian de Allende, Lood de Jager (both Wild Knights)
Faf de Klerk, Jesse Kriel (both Canon Eagles)
Dan du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez (both Sale Sharks)

Agreed. Already mentioned in the 'Dan Du Preez Top 14' thread. I wasn't sure where to post either!

[SSR]

So Bath Hill into squad as second row cover. Two stone lighter than the player he is
replacing. Anyone know why Sale Hill is not in with a shout ( is he injured again )?

[Surbiton_Shark]

So Bath Hill into squad as second row cover. Two stone lighter than the player he is
replacing. Anyone know why Sale Hill is not in with a shout ( is he injured again )?

Not sure if he's injured but it was heavily rumoured he was off to France after this season so I guess from an England point of view why would you select him as he won't be involved in any future games assuming he does move

[Olyy]

J.Hill's not been in the squad for a while (two years?) so would be a big ask to parachute him straight into the 23 not knowing any of the calls/systems

Guessing they knew that Martin was iffy and that's why they added Coles to the squad - Coles only just back from injury though so maybe he's failed a fitness test too?
Little surprised they didn't bring Ewels in - but glad that they didn't

Big fan of T.Hill, and he does have a little experience at playing lock, but it's going to be a big step up

[Olyy]

Two scrums two penalties for WGJ, helluva start considering he's up against Porter

Edit: think it's 4 from 6 now and also a crucial turnover that led to point

[DavenportSharky]

I can’t believe how involved WGJ has been. Probably his best ever performance. Credit to him.

[Lord Elpus]

Porter repeatedly turns in - as Year 11 knows full well.

[Olyy]

WGJ starting for Wales again