Wales Face Second Row Injury Concerns Ahead of Summer Tests
Wales’ preparations for their upcoming summer rugby union fixtures against South Africa and Australia have been dealt a blow, with several key second-row players sidelined due to injuries.
Cardiff lock Teddy Williams has undergone shoulder surgery and will miss the matches, joining Ospreys duo Adam Beard (ankle) and Rhys Davies (knee) on the sidelines. The trio will not return to action until the next season.
Further compounding Wales’ woes, young uncapped Ospreys lock James Fender is still recovering from a serious arm injury sustained in January and is yet to resume full training.
The availability of Exeter’s Dafydd Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza for the South Africa clash on June 22 remains uncertain, as the match falls outside World Rugby’s international window, potentially ruling out England-based players unless a deal can be reached. France-based Will Rowlands of Racing 92 is also set to miss the South Africa fixture.
Wales do have some specialist second-row options, including Dragons lock Ben Carter and Cardiff’s Seb Davies. Scarlets flanker Taine Plumtree and Ospreys back-rower James Ratti have also featured in the lock position.
“The possibility of a recall for Cory Hill, who has been playing club rugby in Japan in recent seasons, has been suggested as a potential solution to Wales’ second-row injury crisis.”
Warren Gatland’s side will face world champions South Africa at Twickenham on June 22 before embarking on a three-match tour of Australia in July. The Wales team will take on the Wallabies in Sydney on July 6 and Melbourne on July 13, followed by a fixture against the Queensland Reds on July 19.
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