Louis letting rip for Test recall says Skivington
GEORGE Skivington was surprised that Louis ReesZammit was available for the Cherry & Whites last week rather than wearing the all red of Wales but is backing him for a quick return to the Test arena.
The 21-year-old winger, who has five tries from his first nine Tests, was ommitted from Wayne Pivac’s squad before the 23-19 loss to England.
Rees-Zammit scored in yesterday’s win over Northampton and Skivington says he is working hard to get back in the Test mix.
Skivington said: “He was very disappointed. From his point of view it’s a first proper setback, but he’s digested why it’s happened. He loves playing for Gloucester and just wants to rip into it. He knows that if he plays well here he’ll be back in the fold.”
How much longer he remains in the south-west remains to be seen. Pivac has stated his desire to see Rees-Zammit move across the Severn Bridge to play for one of the regions.
That is unlikely as the player recently signed a ‘long-term’ contract extension at Kingsholm.
“[Pivac] is not the first coach to say he wants his players in Wales,” said Skivington. “It’s not my debate to be honest. I’m happy Louis is here. He’s happy playing for Gloucester and he is one of the privileged few who gets the best of both worlds. He gets to play for his country and gets to play in what I believe is the most competitive league.
“My view is that it’s good for him playing in the Premiership because it’s tough every week. It’s really sharp. It’s very pressurised situations all the time. My view would be that if you’re playing the best rugby you can play that benefits everybody.
“I understand Wayne’s perspective on a week like this when there is a short turnaround going into an international game. That makes his preparation a bit more tricky. It’s always going to depend on which side of the fence – or which side of the bridge – you’re sitting on.”
Rees-Zammit recently signed a contract with a modelling agency. While some conservative coaches might regard this as an unnecessary external distraction, Skivington fully endorses the move.
“I’d be jealous if anything,” Skivington joked. “I don’t think things like that really matter. As long as you turn up, train hard each day and give everything at the weekend, I’m more than happy for a player to do whatever they want on the side as long as it doesn’t bring the club into any trouble.”