OspreyThornton tells Wales: I’m ready for take-off
RORY Thornton wants to make sure he is the first person on the plane when Wales jet off to face Pacific Islands opposition on tour this summer.
The Ospreys second row revealed his disappointment at not getting a chance in Wales’ Six Nations campaign, but wants to build on his time in the camp and win a first cap in June.
“It is a little frustrating not getting picked,” admitted Thornton.
“If the performances come and I get chosen for that summer tour, then that will be brilliant. It would be another opportunity for me to get a cap.
“But the focus now is on these games coming up and building towards the end of the season.
“Every player wants to play for Wales and get their opportunity, but sometimes it takes a bit of time.
“I just have to make sure I’m getting all the experience I can, train as best I can, and perform for the Ospreys and show them I am ready to play.
“I am only 22. I can’t really pin blame when there are people like AlunWyn [Jones], Luke Charteris and Jake Ball, who is playing really well at the minute, ahead of me.”
Thornton was named in Warren Gatland’s extended training squad for the 2015 World Cup, and has been in and around the Wales squad ever since.
But he is still yet to win a cap, despite benefitting from the experience of being in Rob Howley’s camp.
A debut in either of this summer’s two Test matches against Tonga in Auckland and Samoa in Apia remains the target.
Thornton said: “You are always learning especially when you’re training with these guys and you see the little things that they do.
“When you first come into the squad you think it is a bit daunting meeting the players, but they are all really good guys and really into speaking to the youngsters and helping you.
“It is a good experience interacting with people like Leigh Halfpenny, Sam Warburton and Luke Charteris who are great to talk to. It helps when there is a nice environment for younger players.”