Josh wants to play, Lions or no Lions
YOU could forgive this summer’s Lions if they were looking to wrap themselves in cotton wool right now with the tour of South Africa just around the corner.
But that’s certainly not the mindset of Wales wing Josh Adams.
Instead, the man from Hendy is more than happy to keep turning out for Cardiff Blues and will be in action for them against Munster tomorrow night.
“He is eager to play,” said director of rugby Dai Young. “I can’t speak highly enough of his attitude both on and off the field.
“Even to a point where he gave me a bit of stick for taking him off in our last game against the Scarlets!
“He had treatment twice on a tight neck so I got him off because I wouldn’t want him to miss the tour.
“He gave me a bit of stick after that because he felt he was all right to play on. His attitude is he wants to play.
“He has been away with the Lions this week. All the players have met up to have a day together, so I am sure he is getting excited about the tour.
“But he certainly wants to play and he will definitely be involved in this game. We will see where we are after that.
“If he picks up a knock and was struggling through the week I definitely wouldn’t risk him in what could potentially be our last game against Zebre.
“Time will tell whether he will be involved in that one.
“It’s a difficult situation because you want to make sure these boys get on the plane, you want to support them in that.
“But they are fully aware as well that they can’t be wrapped in cotton wool. They need to hit the ground running, so they need to play.”
Adams’s readiness to play has been particularly welcome with the Blues short on numbers in the back three.
Matthew Morgan and Aled Summerhill have been sidelined through injury, while Owen Lane is suspended.
Full-back Morgan, who has had a groin problem, could potentially be available again for the Rainbow Cup clash with Munster in Limerick.
Wales flanker James Botham is back fit and in the mix for his first outing in eight weeks, while prop Dmitri Arhip could also return.
Injured centres Rey Lee Lo, Max Llewellyn and Mason Grady are not in contention.
Young says he will be picking his strongest available team, saying: “We are not holding back.”