WALES SQUAD 2014 RBS 6 NATIONS:

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WALES SQUAD 2014 RBS 6 NATIONS:

Forwards:
Paul James (Bath), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Ryan Bevington (Ospreys), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Emyr Phillips (Scarlets), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Perpignan), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Andrew Coombs (Dragons), Ryan Jones (Ospreys), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Sam Warburton Capt (Cardiff Blues), Toby Faletau (Dragons), Dan Lydiate (Racing Metro), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets)

Backs:
Rhodri Williams (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), James Hook (Perpignan), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), George North (Northampton Saints), Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), Liam Williams (Scarlets

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Bedford - Shingler has also played at 8 for Wales (in the six nations I believe, but not too sure)

Has he, can't remember that, maybe he will be bench option as opposed to Coombs then next week, depending on who gets nod as 6 of course.

Risca Rev wrote:But the fact he is or isn't versatile shouldn't matter and proves what a joke this non selection is. The only criteria should be form, not guff like positional cover or leadership skills. A squad of 32 (or whatever it is) is ridiculous, particularly given the injury doubts.

Rev,

I agree on the squad size but Gats has always named relatively small squads then added as and when neccessary. As for versatility then that's always going to come into the equation when thinking of bench spots, Hook, R Jones etc will always come into it for that reason alone.

Risca Rev wrote:But the fact he is or isn't versatile shouldn't matter and proves what a joke this non selection is. The only criteria should be form, not guff like positional cover or leadership skills. A squad of 32 (or whatever it is) is ridiculous, particularly given the injury doubts.

But to be fair to him, he has both positional cover and leadership skills himself. IMO he is more versatile that King, after all Lewis can cover the back row, which is what a backrow is wanted for. King covers blindside and lock, so not as useful as we have a AWJ, Charteris, Ball, as real locks with Coombs and Shingler covering already. Also Lewis was regional captain for the Dragons last season, so that is proven leadership skills surely.

bedfordwelsh wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Bedford - Shingler has also played at 8 for Wales (in the six nations I believe, but not too sure)

Has he, can't remember that, maybe he will be bench option as opposed to Coombs then next week, depending on who gets nod as 6 of course.

I think it was covering injury (Or sin bin?) at some point in the second half (I wasn't to say against Scotland, year before last, not sure why).

I do think with R Jones injured it would have been great chance to bring either Allen or I Jones into squad even if just to have look at them in this environment.

bedfordwelsh wrote:I do think with R Jones injured it would have been great chance to bring either Allen or I Jones into squad even if just to have look at them in this environment.

I think Gats does call people up to train with the squad, but not actually be in the squad, quite a bit. During the AIs I know Jordan Williams, Rob Evans and Kirby Myhill all spent time with the welsh squad. I would assume that one if not both of Allen and Jones have been asked to attend certain training sessions.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:I do think with R Jones injured it would have been great chance to bring either Allen or I Jones into squad even if just to have look at them in this environment.

I think Gats does call people up to train with the squad, but not actually be in the squad, quite a bit.  During the AIs I know Jordan Williams, Rob Evans and Kirby Myhill all spent time with the welsh squad.  I would assume that one if not both of Allen and Jones have been asked to attend certain training sessions.

Yeah noticed that and liked said to Rev he has always tended to name small squads so hopefully they have been as after Faletau we very thin on specialist No8s who have played at this level and with the WC in mind as well would be ideal.

IronMike wrote:Powell isn't even playing the same sport

Yeah, so only a complete and utter moron would state he is a viable option at No.8 right? Oh dear international .

Owen Williams is back playing for the Blues in an LV match - a timely recovery for the 6 Nations   

Yes that's welcome news. Would prefer it were Cory Allen but I guess we can't have it all. Aren't Roberts, North and Lydiate also having more game time this weekend?

The Saint wrote:Yes that's welcome news. Would prefer it were Cory Allen but I guess we can't have it all. Aren't Roberts, North and Lydiate also having more game time this weekend?

North isn't. Phillips, Doc and Lyds are

Good for Roberts and Lydiate to get some game time in.

Aye... Very good to see them get some more match fitness.

Doc should not be playing, we just cannot afford an injury to him at tho stage

We are close to injury crisis again, have lost strength in depth from 6,7,8, centre wing and fb.

Great Jamie is starting, 2 weeks in a row. Wow, he needs the game time

Hope Lyds can have a big game as well, will be looking for a live thread

After seeing Mike play vs us in the Heineken cup he shouldn't be in the team, Rhys webb should be starting next week; he has been in fine form and has been the only attacking option in an average ospreys team

I think its good that Roberts is getting somem ore gametime before next week but again this is one of the main problems with our players playing abroad - we have no control over them.

If he was at a Region then he may well still play but there would be good chance he would only have 40-50 minutes then be subbed. Racing don't give a flying .... about Wales so if they need him on for full 80 he will play that.

I wonder how full Halfpenny's Release contract from Toulon next year. They have convinced a lot of players to quit international rugby previously. It would be a huge turn a round by them to let him have as good a deal as Saints gave George North.

I guess the prl are fining for releasing North from this weekends duties as well?

maestegmafia wrote:I guess the prl are fining for releasing North from this weekends duties as well?

'Under Regulation 9, clubs are obliged to facilitate release during specific and clearly defined competition windows during the calendar year without financial or contractual impediment.'

Six Nations is a recognised 'competition window' unlike the extra test that some countries add on outside the window(s) & therefor clubs are not obliged, under the IRB rules to release.

But I suspect you knew that already Maes?  

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I guess the prl are fining for releasing North from this weekends duties as well?

'Under Regulation 9, clubs are obliged to facilitate release during specific and clearly defined competition windows during the calendar year without financial or contractual impediment.'

Six Nations is a recognised 'competition window' unlike the extra test that some countries add on outside the window(s) & therefor clubs are not obliged, under the IRB rules to release.

But I suspect you knew that already Maes?  

But not until tomorrow so in theory today doesn't come under the window but as its LV games this weekend I doubt if he would have played anyway.

I've heard North is scared of facing Matthew Pewtner

bedfordwelsh wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I guess the prl are fining for releasing North from this weekends duties as well?

'Under Regulation 9, clubs are obliged to facilitate release during specific and clearly defined competition windows during the calendar year without financial or contractual impediment.'

Six Nations is a recognised 'competition window' unlike the extra test that some countries add on outside the window(s) & therefor clubs are not obliged, under the IRB rules to release.

But I suspect you knew that already Maes?  

But not until tomorrow so in theory today doesn't come under the window but as its LV games this weekend I doubt if he would have played anyway.

Yes that's true Bedford.

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I guess the prl are fining for releasing North from this weekends duties as well?

'Under Regulation 9, clubs are obliged to facilitate release during specific and clearly defined competition windows during the calendar year without financial or contractual impediment.'

Six Nations is a recognised 'competition window' unlike the extra test that some countries add on outside the window(s) & therefor clubs are not obliged, under the IRB rules to release.

But I suspect you knew that already Maes?  

Plus it was a one off fine so they'll continue to release him against the rules in future with no penalty.

maestegmafia wrote:I wonder how full Halfpenny's Release contract from Toulon next year. They have convinced a lot of players to quit international rugby previously. It would be a huge turn a round by them to let him have as good a deal as Saints gave George North.

He'd be a fool to not get as close to what North has with Saints as he can.

can't imagine halfpenny signing anything that would stop him playing for Wales . well done AWJ for staying in Wales or perhaps no one come knocking

More speculation about Sam at Cardiff

I'm pretty confident he is going to stay in Wales but it all depends on which contract he is going to sign. I can see him signing for the WRU to be honest

http://www.planetrugby.co.uk/story/0,25883,16024_9132777,00.html

Sam Warburton has signed a central contract too...

Haha 2 hours later and he has.

Don;t know what to expect now, a lot is going to happen within the next week now. How do yo all think Cardiff will respond?

They haven't said how many times and when they will release him to Cardiff either. A lot of questions to be answered.

Jhamer25 wrote:Haha 2 hours later and he has.

Don;t know what to expect now, a lot is going to happen within the next week now. How do yo all think Cardiff will respond?

They haven't said how many times and when they will release him to Cardiff either. A lot of questions to be answered.

I think the money saved will make Mr Thomas a very happy man. I can see the regions now pimping their finest to the WRU over the next few weeks..

maestegmafia wrote:

Jhamer25 wrote:Haha 2 hours later and he has.

Don;t know what to expect now, a lot is going to happen within the next week now. How do yo all think Cardiff will respond?

They haven't said how many times and when they will release him to Cardiff either. A lot of questions to be answered.

I think the money saved will make Mr Thomas a very happy man. I can see the regions now pimping their finest to the WRU over the next few weeks..

Yes but it seems to good to be true. I mean the WRU and Cardiff playing friends and then the WRU want NOTHING in return for his release. Well either Roger has had a change of heart about the matter or their leading us on.

Also I was reading the article and he made me laugh when he said it had been a good week for welsh rugby with Alyn Wyn and Sam staying in Wales which it great but completely ignored the fact of Halfpenny's move. He is a joke

As I've posted elsewhere, I'm sure that the WRU proposed to use some or all of the region's competition money to fund central contracts. Maybe just for 1 (Sam) it will come from the WRU themselves, but any more and the regions will end up paying thorough reduced allocation of competition monies. We'll have to wait and see.

They were saying on the radio after this announcement that the Blues have said they won't play any centrally contracted players.

Was this all hot air and scaremongering by the Blues or will they now stick to their guns.

I think this is just another can or worms opened up.

I'm all for full central contracts, I.e. A whole squad of them, as I posted elsewhere. However, my concern with them is the movement of players. If the WRU has a star player on a contract then they'll want them to play in the best competitions. I get that and agree with it to a certain extent. But it does mean that under the current system where 1 side in Wales does not get into the HC then it means that that team will surely lose any centrally contracted players. The WRU would maybe see it as a waste for that player to be in a lower comp. Again, I get it and understand it but it just turns that team into an even poorer team and somewhere no one will want to go.

But what happens under the proposals for a new euro comp? Let's just say that it's top 6 Rabo and 2 welsh got through. Would they move the central contract boys out of the other 2 that didn't make it just for that season so they were in the top comp? I think that's a very real prospect. What if only one got through? All CC boys to the ospreys?! It then becomes a bit of a merry go round with welsh players having no real tie to a club and just making guest appreances for different regions over the years.

This is a very real prospect if we only have 6-8 central contracts. If we have a squad full then I can see a bit of a spread around the regions, but I still think they may move them around willy nilly.

With regards to Sam Warburton and this central contract that he signed yesterday.
I might be wrong but i am pretty sure that it was worded, that Sam Warburton as signed the first central contract with the WRU. "BUT" this does not garantee him being selected for the national team.

If that is the case, that any player that signs a central contract with the WRU, does have a garantee of playing for Wales. What is the point of them in the first place?

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I guess the prl are fining for releasing North from this weekends duties as well?

'Under Regulation 9, clubs are obliged to facilitate release during specific and clearly defined competition windows during the calendar year without financial or contractual impediment.'

Six Nations is a recognised 'competition window' unlike the extra test that some countries add on outside the window(s) & therefor clubs are not obliged, under the IRB rules to release.

But I suspect you knew that already Maes?  

But not until tomorrow so in theory today doesn't come under the window but as its LV games this weekend I doubt if he would have played anyway.

Yes that's true Bedford.

Trev it would be gracious to say that you apologise for accusing me of stirring something up. As you have now been corrected ad can understand why I asked the initial question.

majesticimperialman wrote:With regards to Sam Warburton and this central contract that he signed yesterday.
I might be wrong but i am pretty sure that it was worded, that Sam Warburton as signed the first central contract with the WRU.  "BUT" this does not garantee him being selected for the national team.

If that is the case, that any player that signs a central contract with the WRU, does have a garantee of playing for Wales. What is the point of them in the first place?

The point is that the WRU pay for that players wages and not the club/region that player represents.

majesticimperialman wrote:With regards to Sam Warburton and this central contract that he signed yesterday.
I might be wrong but i am pretty sure that it was worded, that Sam Warburton as signed the first central contract with the WRU.  "BUT" this does not garantee him being selected for the national team.

If that is the case, that any player that signs a central contract with the WRU, does have a garantee of playing for Wales. What is the point of them in the first place?

Why would anyone give out a contract guaranteeing that a player would be selected for the national team?! That's just ludicrous. It could/would mean that out of form players must get picked. Ridiculous.

Griff wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:With regards to Sam Warburton and this central contract that he signed yesterday.
I might be wrong but i am pretty sure that it was worded, that Sam Warburton as signed the first central contract with the WRU.  "BUT" this does not garantee him being selected for the national team.

If that is the case, that any player that signs a central contract with the WRU, does have a garantee of playing for Wales. What is the point of them in the first place?

Why would anyone give out a contract guaranteeing that a player would be selected for the national team?! That's just ludicrous. It could/would mean that out of form players must get picked. Ridiculous.

But Sam Warburton would get selected for the Welsh team wether he was in form or not. He is/as been Captain of Wales.

Plus how is this going to be good for the regions? If like some one above says they (WRU) want their centraly contracted players playing in the best competion. Would it mean their player/s playing for an English/French club? No Because they want their top players playing in Wales.

I just don't understand how this is going to benefit rugby in Wales.

majesticimperialman wrote:

Griff wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:With regards to Sam Warburton and this central contract that he signed yesterday.
I might be wrong but i am pretty sure that it was worded, that Sam Warburton as signed the first central contract with the WRU.  "BUT" this does not garantee him being selected for the national team.

If that is the case, that any player that signs a central contract with the WRU, does have a garantee of playing for Wales. What is the point of them in the first place?

Why would anyone give out a contract guaranteeing that a player would be selected for the national team?! That's just ludicrous. It could/would mean that out of form players must get picked. Ridiculous.

But Sam Warburton would get selected for the Welsh team wether he was in form or not. He is/as been Captain of Wales.

Plus how is this going to be good for the regions? If like some one above says they (WRU) want their centraly contracted players playing in the best competion. Would it mean their player/s playing for an English/French club? No Because they want their top players playing in Wales.

I just don't understand how this is going to benefit rugby in Wales.

Really?

You honestly do not see how this benefits Wales and the regions?

I was shocked at how many Welsh idiots on Facebook couldn't understand the situation and were slagging off Roger Lewis. Non of them know or appreciate what Roger has done for Welsh rugby.

The regions only care about themselves and the WRU are trying their best to look after Welsh rugby as a whole.

The national side has improved massively with the exodus. Star players finally playing in good sides. The Blues and Scarlets have been dire for years and now we are seeing the likes of North going up another level in quality again. Soon we will see more Wales players make it to the next level. At the same time we are blocking potential English and French talent from making the step up to international quality while depth in Wales grows with so many youngsters playing regular pro 12 rugby. By the time the world cup arrives, Wales will be even harder to beat. In the last 3 matches vs Wales, neither England or France have scored a single try against Wales.

The player exodus is NOT the reason for poor attendances or poor performances. The crowds were shocking 3 or 4 years ago and the Ospreys underperformed in Europe when they had their "galacticos" star studded team.

Crowds and interest is poor because we have all our regions located within 50 miles of each other. The logistics are bad and there isn't enough population or catchment to go round. There should be a region in the Pro 12 in North Wales and more emphasis with mid wales, Merthyr and Pontypridd. 4 clubs ALL in South Wales is too much. Leinster has a catchment of 2 million people while only 50 thousand live in Llanelli. That's the difference. Got nowt to do with player drain. The player exodus is what's taking Wales to the next level and making us even stronger.

The Welsh captain playing abroad would have been a PR disaster for Wales. Obviously Sam had offers from abroad that the Blues could not match so the WRU HAD to step in.

Professional rugby has become so physically demanding and injuries are more common than ever. Players are playing WAY too many fixtures and this way the WRU can limit his regional performances. We will see less injuries from Sam and the WRU and Blues will both get the best out of him.

This is what NZRFU do with McCaw. There are much fewer Super 14 games for him to play and he's a much fresher fitter player for both regional and international teams.

The closer the WRU get to copying the NZ model the stronger Wales will get and we will replace Australia in the top 3 world teams.

Let's be honest. Deep down in Wales we prefer the national side far more than anything else. Eventually the WRU will control the regions once the financial club sugardaddy's walk away. Then we can all work to a common goal from grassroots up.

Players play too much rugby but you're happy that your young players are being thrown in possibly too early and forced to play more than they would as your top players go abroad? Don't these points go against each other?

gatlandgun wrote:I was shocked at how many Welsh idiots on Facebook couldn't understand the situation and were slagging off Roger Lewis. Non of them know or appreciate what Roger has done for Welsh rugby.

The regions only care about themselves and the WRU are trying their best to look after Welsh rugby as a whole.......

To be honest comments like that are no different from comments placing all the blame purely on Roger's doorstep, so many would probably hold your comments in as much esteem as you hold theirs about Sam joining up with Roger and Gats being paid directly by the union.

Anyway lets be honest, the current regional situation, and where players ply their trade doesn't really have anything to do with the current welsh squad, so can we all keep that stuff on a different thread, thanks.


Oh and last point, Alfie was a welsh captain playing abroad (Toulouse) when wales won our first GS in recent times. The reason he was playing elsewhere the all-caring union had axed his region

Jake Ball is now officially part of the 6 Nations squad, so we could well see him make his debut soon.

Pleased with Ball's inclusion, brings the youth to enhance the long-term strength in depth in the second row and has made a promising start returning to the land of his father  

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Jake Ball is now officially part of the 6 Nations squad, so we could well see him make his debut soon.

WOuld happily see him start alongside AWJ but think Charteris will get the nod.

bedfordwelsh wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Jake Ball is now officially part of the 6 Nations squad, so we could well see him make his debut soon.

WOuld happily see him start alongside AWJ but think Charteris will get the nod.

I was thinking if WRUburton doesn't make the fitness race, Tips would start, and Coombs would be backrow bench cover, leaving Ball to be lock cover.

Bluddy brilliant. We just think in two years time we could have the biggest and most mobile second row pairing in the world with Jake and Alyn Wy  
Both enforcers, both great around the park and give everything to their teams.
I would like to see him make a few appearances of the bench to gain some experience and get use to international rugby. has all the attributes that Alyn Wyn did a few years back. I hope this is the start of a good career.

This is slightly off topic. But the Welsh team/squad still go to Poland or Portugal. to train in the freezers before any big tournament?

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Jake Ball is now officially part of the 6 Nations squad, so we could well see him make his debut soon.

WOuld happily see him start alongside AWJ but think Charteris will get the nod.

I was thinking if WRUburton doesn't make the fitness race, Tips would start, and Coombs would be backrow bench cover, leaving Ball to be lock cover.

I would say that seems the more likely scenario if he's not fit.

Jhamer25 wrote:Bluddy brilliant. We just think in two years time we could have the biggest and most mobile second row pairing in the world with Jake and Alyn Wy  
Both enforcers, both great around the park and give everything to their teams.
I would like to see him make a few appearances of the bench to gain some experience and get use to international rugby. has all the attributes that Alyn Wyn did a few years back. I hope this is the start of a good career.

I really look forward to seeing what he can do at this level... Davies injury and Evans misdemeanours might have created a very useful opportunity for Wales.

I can see Sampson Lee making the bench spot his own too.