Sheedy can be ‘massive for Wales’
CALLUM Sheedy has been described as “a massive asset to any team” ahead of his potential first start for Wales.
Bristol fly-half Sheedy made his Test debut as a second-half substitute in the 32-9 Autumn Nations Cup defeat against Ireland five days ago.
But he could be handed the No.10 shirt when Wales host Georgia on Saturday, with head coach Wayne Pivac set to field a much-changed team from the one on duty in Dublin.
Pivac’s pre-planned selection approach to the Georgia game appears unlikely to change, despite Wales being on a run of six successive losses, which is their worst sequence of results since 2012.
Sheedy excelled for Bristol last season, playing a pivotal role as they reached the Gallagher Premiership play-offs, before kicking 22 points when he inspired a European Challenge Cup final victory over Toulon.
And Sheedy’s Bristol boss Pat Lam has no doubt that the 25-year-old will relish his opportunity if it comes this weekend.
“I am really excited and really proud of him,” Bristol rugby director Lam said.
“He is on this journey, and I think the big thing is – take away the rugby – Callum is the greatest person.
“He is so coachable, and as I said to Wayne (Pivac) he is a player that is a massive asset to any team.
“I think the big thing for Callum, and I had a chat to him yesterday, is making sure that the guys around him trust him, have no fear and they connect well.”
Cardiff-born Sheedy also qualified for Ireland via his parents and England on residency – he represented England in a non-cap game against the Barbarians last year – before opting for Wales and being named in Pivac’s latest squad.
Pivac will name his starting Wales line-up today at noon, with Gloucester wing Louis ReesZammit, Scarlets pair Johnny Williams and Kieran Hardy and Dragons centre Nick Tompkins also among those who could feature in his thinking.
Cardiff Blues back-rower James Botham and Scarlets wing Johnny McNicholl, who were only called into the squad this week, could also be fast-tracked into the line-up.