England Internationals Express Shock at Gatland’s Decision
In the latest rugby news, England internationals were caught off guard by Warren Gatland’s surprising decision regarding the Wales Six Nations squad. The omission of Max Llewellyn has left former England stars Danny Care and Chris Ashton dumbfounded. Despite Llewellyn’s consistent performance in the 13 jersey during the autumn internationals, he was left out of the squad, sparking confusion and disbelief among players and fans alike.
Care and Ashton voiced their astonishment on the Rugby Union Weekly podcast, with Ashton labelling Gatland’s decision as “madness.” The exclusion of Llewellyn, along with Gareth Anscombe, raised eyebrows and led to speculations about the rationale behind Gatland’s choices. Care echoed the sentiment, expressing his bewilderment at the continued oversight of Jarrod Evans, especially considering his current form and potential contributions to the team.
Gatland defended his decision by pointing out Llewellyn’s performance in a previous match and highlighting areas for improvement. However, Ashton rebuffed this explanation, questioning the coaching team’s ability to utilise Llewellyn effectively on the field. Care added to the discussion by underlining the importance of clear decision-making and strategic player selections for the success of the Welsh team in the upcoming Six Nations tournament.
In a contrasting development, Steve Borthwick, England’s head coach, appointed Maro Itoje as the team’s captain for the upcoming Six Nations, replacing Jamie George. Borthwick praised Itoje’s leadership qualities and expressed confidence in his ability to guide the team to success. The decision marks a significant shift in England’s leadership dynamics and sets the stage for Itoje to lead the team into the 2027 World Cup.
On the injury front, Borthwick confirmed that Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Sam Underhill would be sidelined for the entire Six Nations due to shoulder and ankle injuries, respectively. Feyi-Waboso’s dislocated shoulder necessitated surgery, ruling him out for approximately 10-12 weeks. However, there is optimism that he could recover in time for the Lions tour of Australia later this year, pending his selection.
As fans anticipate the start of the Six Nations tournament, the unexpected squad selections and leadership changes have generated a mix of excitement and scrutiny within the rugby community. With Gatland and Borthwick at the helm of their respective teams, the stage is set for a thrilling competition filled with unpredictable outcomes and high-stakes matches. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the rugby season kicks off in earnest.