Dai’s dismay as son is left out by Wales
DAI Young revealed his disappointment that his son Thomas has not been selected by Wales for their crunch Six Nations clash with England, with the game now not holding as much importance to him.
Young junior was released back to Wasps for last week’s win over Bristol Bears following a start against Italy for his country.
The flanker had a try ruled out in Rome and was one of the standout performers in last Friday’s victory in the West Country, but it was not enough to see him included in Warren Gatland’s squad for tomorrow’s match in Cardiff.
“Selection is out of his hands and mine,” said the Wasps director of rugby.
“It’s not for me to comment on other coaches’ selection. I think it’s fair to say there’s not much more he can do.
“He was outstanding last Friday. He’ll be disappointed with it but he just has to keep battling on and doing what he’s doing. I’d be lying if I said my main interest in that game isn’t gone, with Thomas not playing.”
Wasps kick off at 2pm at the Ricoh Arena against Sale Sharks in the Gallagher Premiership before the eyes of the rugby world switch to proceedings at the Principality Stadium, which kicks off at 4.45pm.
“My main focus is Sale,” added Young. “I’ll watch the game, as a Welshman, rugby is in our DNA. I’ll watch the game as a casual supporter, same as everyone else.”
Many on social media criticised Gatland’s decision not to include the 26-year-old, with both Wales and Wasps fans alike feeling he deserved at least a place on the bench after his recent performances for club and country.
Despite the exclusion of Thomas, Wasps will have four players involved in Cardiff, with Elliot Daly selected to start at full-back and Joe Launchbury, Dan Robson and Brad Shields named on the bench by England head coach Eddie Jones.
And while this will be Shields’ first involvement in this year’s Six Nations campaign, director of rugby Young thinks the flanker will step up to the occasion.
“I’m sure he’s going to love that occasion up in Cardiff,” Young said.