News

Wainwright hopes versatility will help Wales selection chances

Aaron Wainwright is tackled by Chris Harris and Hamish Watson 13/2/2021
Aaron Wainwright hopes his versatility will stand him in good stead as he looks to impress Wayne Pivac and earn a place in the Wales squad for this summer’s Test matches.

Aaron Wainwright hopes his versatility will stand him in good stead as he looks to impress Wayne Pivac and earn a place in the Wales squad for this summer’s Test matches.

Dragons back-rower Wainwright has 29 caps for his country, with his last appearance coming off the bench at No.8 against Italy in the 2021 Guinness Six Nations.

The 23-year-old, who made his debut in 2018, also started at flanker in the victory over Scotland at BT Murrayfield before Pivac’s men went on to clinch the Championship title.

Six Nations enters into discussions with BBC and ITV for TV rights

Wales will contest three summer games, hosting Canada and Argentina twice in Cardiff in July, but will be without several players due to The British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa.

And with two remaining Rainbow Cup games against Glasgow Warriors and Leinster to come with Dragons, Wainwright believes he can fill the void left by Taulupe Faletau at No.8.

“To try and get selected is definitely the goal for me,” said Wainwright on his Wales hopes.

“The games are at the Principality now so I’ll be looking forward to that, but I’m just concentrating on the next two matches against Glasgow and Leinster for the Dragons.

“I’ve definitely been playing my best rugby at No.8 over the past couple of games and I’m enjoying playing there. I feel comfortable at the back of the scrum.

U20 Six Nations Championship dates announced

“It’s nice to have a couple of different options and I’m quite versatile.

“Hopefully I do get a chance to play there and can show what I can do. It’s nice to be able to play six and eight and switch in between, but if I get the chance to play, I’d just like to play well.”