Rugby World Cup - Prop Thomas Included in Squad for RWC Warm-up
In a surprising and bold move, head coach Warren Gatland has caused a stir in the rugby world by including the former England prop, Joe Thomas, in the squad for the upcoming Rugby World Cup warm-up matches. Thomas, who last represented England back in 2019, has since been playing for a club in France, raising eyebrows as fans and pundits speculate on the rationale behind this unexpected selection.
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Gatland was forced to rethink his roster after experienced players retired, including stalwart lock Alun Wyn Jones and loose winger Justin Tipurik. He could reveal some new names in a warm-up match against England on August 5, followed by a second clash against the same opponents on August 12 and a week later against South Africa.
He eliminated the eighth Taulupe Faletau along with Owen Williams, Joe Roberts, Johnny Williams and Alex Cuthbert, though they remain part of his plans for the Rugby World Cup, according to a Welsh Rugby press release.
Thomas, 31, won seven caps for England in 2013/14 but got into the Wales squad thanks to his father. He was able to take advantage of the same Rugby World Cup eligibility rule that allowed Jean Klein to play for South Africa this month, having previously represented Ireland.
Warren Gatland, known for his shrewd coaching decisions and successful track record, has shown he is not one to shy away from making daring choices. The inclusion of Joe Thomas in the squad reflects Gatland's desire to bolster the team's front row, an area that has been under scrutiny in recent years.
Rugby World Cup - Thomas's Formidable Scrummaging and England's Success
Thomas, a formidable scrummager during his tenure with England, brings with him a wealth of experience, having played in several high-profile matches and featuring prominently in England's Six Nations campaigns. His move to France in 2020 met with mixed reactions. As some saw it as an opportunity for the player to experience a different style of rugby, while others criticized him for stepping away from international contention.
Gatland's decision to call up the seasoned prop indicates a willingness to explore all available options ahead of the Rugby World Cup. The warm-up matches will serve as an essential testing ground for Thomas to prove his worth. And demonstrate that he is still a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
The inclusion of a player from a rival nation might raise eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. But Gatland has always known for his pragmatic approach to team selection. The New Zealand-born coach has never hesitated to pick players who can add value to his squad, regardless of their national affiliations. This philosophy was evident during his tenure with the British and Irish Lions, where he successfully blended talents from different countries into a cohesive unit.
For Joe Thomas, this opportunity presents a chance for redemption and a shot at proving his detractors wrong. Returning to the international stage after a few years away is a challenge that only a few players can master, but his experience and skills may be what Gatland believes the team needs.
It remains to be see how the other players in the squad will react to Thomas's inclusion. Given the competitive nature of the sport. However, rugby is a sport built on respect, camaraderie, and the pursuit of excellence. Which should help ease any potential tensions in the camp.
Coaching Insights: Gatland's Trust in Thomas's Abilities
While some might question the wisdom of this selection, it is important to remember that coaches often have insights into players that the public does not. Gatland and his coaching staff have undoubtedly analyzed Thomas's performances extensively and believe that he can provide an extra dimension to the team's game plan.
As the Rugby World Cup warm-up matches approach, all eyes will be on Joe Thomas as he seeks to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. Gatland's decision to name him in the squad adds an element of intrigue and excitement to the upcoming matches, with fans eager to witness Thomas's return to the international stage.
In the world of rugby, surprises are commonplace, and it is this very unpredictability that keeps the sport thrilling for fans worldwide. Gatland's daring selection of Joe Thomas is a testament to his willingness to take calculated risks in pursuit of Rugby World Cup glory.
Taulupe Faletau among five Wales players absent from Gatland's squad for next Rugby World Cup training
The Welsh internationals from Gatland will travel to Turkey ahead of three warm-ups in August. Wales No. 8 Taulupe Faletau is one of five players who will not travel to Turkey as part of Warren Gatland's 43-man squad for their second overseas training camp this summer. For more to know about Rugby World Cup Tickets.
Owen Williams, Joe Roberts, Johnny Williams and Alex Cuthbert will also miss the trip and will not participate in Wales' first warm-up of the summer against England. But Wales head coach Warren Gatland says they remain part of a wider training squad and have not released.
Wales has not released any official details as to why the five players are not traveling to Turkey. Cardiff No. 8 Faletau missed the first week of a two-week trip to Switzerland as he recovered from a calf injury before joining the team. He will continue his recovery in Wales over the next few weeks.
The Ospreys duo Owen Williams and Alex Cuthbert also missed a visit to Switzerland for personal reasons, but were hoping to make it to Turkey. Scarlets center Williams, 26, was in Switzerland but is recovering from a hamstring injury after returning early from a two-week trip.
This is because the Wales players have recently returned from a grueling two-week high-altitude training camp in Fisch, Switzerland, and after some rest and player recovery, a slightly smaller squad will travel to Turkey from 23 to 31 July.
The Gatland side will then play England twice on 5 and 12 August and South Africa on 19 August in a warm-up before the final 33-man squad is announce at the end of August. Wales' first Rugby World Cup game will take place on 10 September against Fiji.
Successful Training Camp in Switzerland: Hard Work and Good Results
“Gatland said: We are very pleased with how our two-week training camp in Switzerland went. The players worked very hard and achieved really good results. In addition to the natural benefits of living at high altitude, the players have experienced temperatures ranging from thirty to thirty (degrees Celsius) during our training sessions on the pitch, which will be good preparation for our next training camp in Turkey.”
All 43 players traveling to Turkey are available for the first leg against England on 5 August. Those who do not travel remain with our larger training squad and will join us on their return to Wales.
“We have decided to keep a large group on our team as we prepare for our three matches of the Vodafone summer series. We know that injuries can unfortunately be picked up along the way, so it's important to make sure as many players as possible are aware of our plans."
Wales Rugby World Cup - forwards (25):
Corey Domachowski, Kemsley Mathias, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Elliot Dee, Ryan Elias, Dewi Lake, Sam Parry, Keiron Assiratti, Tomas Francis, Dillon Lewis, Henry Thomas, Adam Beard, Ben Carter, Rhys Davies, Dafydd Jenkins, Will Rowlands, Christ Tshiunza, Teddy Williams, Taine Basham, Dan Lydiate, Jac Morgan, Taine Plumtree, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright.
Backs (18):
Gareth Davies, Kieran Hardy, Tomos Williams, Gareth Anscombe, Dan Biggar, Sam Costelow, Mason Grady, Max Llewellyn, George North, Nick Tompkins, Keiran Williams, Josh Adams, Rio Dyer, Cai Evans, Leigh Halfpenny, Louis Rees-Zammit, Tom Rogers, Liam Williams.
Players missing the Turkey training camp but remain in Wales Rugby World Cup squad (5): Taulupe Faletau, Joe Roberts, Johnny Williams, Owen Williams, Alex Cuthbert.
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