Wales Release Six Players from Squad During First Rest Weekend of Six Nations
In preparation for the upcoming clash with Ireland, Wales has decided to release six players from their Six Nations squad for the first rest weekend of the tournament. The players being released are Ospreys duo Sam Parry and Ben Warren, along with Scarlets quartet Kemsley Mathias, Taine Plumtree, Joe Roberts, and Ellis Mee. These players will feature in matches for their respective clubs, rather than remain with the national squad.
The majority of the 37-man squad has been retained despite the return of United Rugby Championship fixtures over the weekend. Hooker Sam Parry, previously recalled by Warren Gatland, will start at the Swansea.com Stadium, while prop Ben Warren, called in as injury cover, has been named on the bench by head coach Mark Jones. Meanwhile, Scarlets players Mathias, Plumtree, Roberts, and Mee are set to play against Munster at Thomond Park.
In contrast, Cardiff, another Welsh side facing Irish opposition, will not release any players for their match against Connacht in Galway. However, head coach Matt Sherratt will be taking charge before fully assuming his role as Wales’ interim head coach for the remainder of the tournament. The Dragons, set to play against Glasgow, will also not have any players released for their Sunday clash.
Notably, none of Wales’ English-based contingent will be released for Premiership Cup duty. Players such as Dafydd Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza from Exeter, WillGriff John from Sale, and Nicky Smith, Tommy Reffell, Nick Tompkins, Freddie Thomas, Tomos Williams, Josh Hathaway will all remain with the national team as they are not partaking in club fixtures.
New call-up Jarrod Evans will feature for Harlequins in the Premiership Cup before joining the national team. Gareth Anscombe and Max Llewellyn, also new call-ups, will not be involved with Gloucester. Furthermore, France-based lock Will Rowlands will not be released to Racing 92.
Ultimately, as the rest weekend commences, the Welsh national squad remains focused on their forthcoming fixtures in the Six Nations, with strategic decisions being made to ensure the team is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.