Powerhouse No.8 joins Wales for remainder of Six nations
NEWS: Wales have recalled Bath No.8 Taulupe Faletau, who hasn’t featured for his country in nearly a year.
Injured during the British & Irish Lions tour, the back row has struggled to overcome an ankle issue which has seen him sidelined for seven months.
He hasn’t played for Wales since featuring against France last match in the final game of the 2021 Six Nations.
Faletau has strung together two consecutive performances for Bath in the Premiership and has got the nod from head coach Wayne Pivac to rejoin the wider squad ahead of England week.
A short WRU statement reads: “Taulupe Faletau [Bath Rugby] has been called up to the Wales senior men’s squad for the remainder of the Six Nations. He replaces Christ Tshiunza [Exeter Chiefs], who was released back to his club following a hamstring injury earlier in the Championship.
“Faletau joins the squad as it continues preparations for the match v England on Saturday 26 February.”
⛔️ Wales squad update⛔️
Taulupe Faletau has been called up to the Wales squad, replacing Christ Tshiunza
UPDATE: | ⬇️https://t.co/HHBG8fAi6O
ADVERTISEMENT— Welsh Rugby Union 🏉 (@WelshRugbyUnion) February 21, 2022
The 86 times-capped forward, who will join Cardiff next season, started at blindside flank against Wasps in Coventry and against Leicester Tigers at the Rec at the weekend.
“He is like a chameleon,” said Bath forward coach Neal Hatley. “You put him in a level up and he just blends in.
“He has that innate ability that, whatever the quality of the players he is playing with, he is the best player on the pitch and he has done that for ages.”
By Ian Cameron, @RugbyPass
