Several Welsh players based in England were in action over the weekend across the Gallagher Premiership. Warren Gatland chose to keep them busy ahead of the upcoming Six Nations, with notable performances from a few standout individuals.
Exeter Chiefs’ Dafydd Jenkins led his team to victory with a strong showing, making his mark with 10 tackles and essential contributions in the match. Tommy Reffell, playing for Leicester Tigers, showcased his skills as a top tackler with 13 tackles, indicating his potential impact for Wales in the future.
Nicky Smith of Leicester Tigers displayed his prowess in scrummaging and all-action play during the game against Gloucester, leaving a solid impression. Meanwhile, Freddie Thomas of Gloucester continues to shine, contributing significantly to his team’s recent successes with consistent performances.
Gloucester’s Josh Hathaway made a notable appearance, showing promise with his ball-handling skills and defensive capabilities. Tomos Williams of Gloucester was a standout player, terrorising the opposition’s defence and orchestrating key plays throughout the match.
A surprising twist came when Wales centre Nick Tompkins found himself in the unfamiliar role of blindside flanker for Saracens, marking a new challenge which could impact his playing style moving forward. WillGriff John faced an unfortunate setback with an early exit from Sale’s game due to an HIA failure, highlighting the physical demands of the sport.
The absence of Will Rowlands in Racing 92’s match raised questions about his form and potential contributions to the Welsh squad in the coming months. As the Six Nations approaches, Wales will be looking to harness the strengths of their English-based players to bolster their team for the tournament.
Overall, the performance of these players provides a glimpse into the potential impact they could have on the Welsh national team during the Six Nations. With the competition drawing near, Gatland will be closely monitoring their progress and form as they gear up for international duty.