It’s heartbreak for Dollman as injury robs him of chance to win first Wales cap
PHIL Dollman could be forgiven for believing he has done something to offend the rugby gods after seeing his chance of a Wales cap cruelly taken from his grasp.
Acting head coach Robin McBryde yesterday confirmed the news that everyone connected with the squad had feared — that the Exeter Chiefs veteran would not be able to make the South Seas tour because of injury.
Rhys Patchell was officially added to the squad in his place.
Samson Lee was also ruled out, to be replaced by Rhodri Jones, but the Scarlets youngster will doubtless get other chances.
For Dollman there may be no such opportunity.
The much-travelled full-back player had looked set to win his first cap after being called up as a replacement for the injured Rhun Williams. But he then went and injured a knee in his club’s Aviva Premiership playoff final win over Wasps.
The bump looked serious at the time, and so it has proven, with confirmation coming through that Dollman would be off limits for a trip that will see Wales play Tests against Tonga and Samoa.
Making the episode all the more galling for the former Newport Gwent Dragons man is that it may be his only chance of pulling on the Welsh jersey.
Certainly, with Lions Leigh Halfpenny and Liam Williams set to be back in the mix for the autumn, and Hallam Amos and Rhun Williams likely to be available as well, the 32-year-old may feel it simply wasn’t to be.
The “significant knee injury” might prove enough to sideline Dollman for a significant chunk of next season, anyway.
“It’s not ideal for any of the players, especially for Phil and the time that it occurred and the manner that it happened,” said McBryde.
“I have spoken to him and he said how the final was very much a bittersweet day for him.
“He scored a try and played in the winning side, but he also picked up this injury.
“It’s tough.”