First game Rees-zammit set to be handed cap by Pivac
gloslivesport@reachplc.com
GLOUCESTER try machine Louis Rees-zammit will make his long-awaited Wales debut this autumn, Wayne Pivac has confirmed.
The teen sensation’s remarkable start to the season earned him a call-up for the Six Nations but he did not feature in a single Wales game.
It was a source of much frustration for Welsh fans who were desperate to see Rees-zammit in action for his country.
There have been demands for Wayne Pivac to finally unleash Rees-zammit in the red, with Wales’ record try-scorer Shane Williams among those leading the call.
And Pivac said ahead of the sixmatch autumn campaign: “It’s our aim to get him capped in this series.”
This season, the 19-year-old has scored 10 tries and beaten 25 defenders in 14 Gallagher Premiership matches.
The time will soon come for him to transfer that form to the international arena after being named in Wales’ 38-man squad for the autumn matches.
Pivac said he and Stephen Jones, Wales’ attack coach, “have had a couple of chats with Louis. He’s working hard at this game.”
The Welsh boss continued: “He has played a bit of full-back, which is good to see, working hard on his kicking game and his work-rate off the ball, that sort of thing.
“He is learning a lot and there is probably a bit more vying for positions at Gloucester these days.
“He is enjoying the opportunities he is getting and looking forward to coming into camp.”
It has also emerged that Wales have been monitoring the progress of Bristol’s ex-gloucester scrum-half Harry Randall.
The busy number nine has been one of the standout performers in the Bristol side this season, partnering Wales call-up Callum Sheedy at half-back.
The 22-year-old is on Pivac’s radar after his eye-catching contributions since rugby returned, but he may be out of reach soon.
Randall qualifies for Wales under residency rules and donned the famous red jersey at under-16s level. However, he was born in Slough and has represented England at under-18s and 20s level.
It is not beyond the realms of possibility that Eddie Jones could name him in his squad for the autumn matches this month.
Also thought to be on Pivac’s list is another former Gloucester player - former Wales under-20s back-rower Dan Thomas.
“I’ve been in touch with Pat Lam on numerous occasions so I’m well aware of the Welsh contingent in his side,” said Pivac when asked if he’d approached Bristol ace Randall.
“We’ve been tracking all of those Welsh players and we’ll continue to track them while they’re playing at that level of the game.
“They’re on our exiles list if you like and we get their games each week, break them down, and put that information into the pot when we’re discussing each position.”