Wales players say barred team-mate should be in squad and reveal he's 'gutted'

Wales stars Dafydd Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza believe Joe Hawkins should be playing for Wales.

Speaking to BBC Scrum V, the Exeter Chiefs duo were asked about their Gallagher Premiership team-mate, who sensationally quit Ospreys last year, subsequently ending his international ambitions due to the 25-cap rule.

The 22-year-old Ystalyfera man has earned five caps for Wales, making his debut against Australia in November 2022. He went on to play four matches in the 2023 Six Nations, before announcing his move to Chiefs in the following April.

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"There's definitely that feel down there," explained Wales Six Nations captain Jenkins. "Especially Joe coming from here, probably not realising what he is sacrificing with Wales. I think it would be class having him in this environment and I think he could definitely add something to the team.

"So maybe that's something to look to going forward."

"I think if it was up to the both of us we'd definitely have Joe here," added Tshiunza. "We actually still talk a lot about how we think he should be here. A lot of things happen in the background but we thought part of the selection was a bit unfair, but again, not our place to say.

"We do think he should be here playing with us. He's a boy that we grew up playing with from U18s, to U20s, to senior level once upon a time.

"He himself is gutted as well and wishes he could be here with us. So that's definitely a wish of ours to see if we can get the 'trifecta' going down here, the Exeter trifecta."

Speaking about his move to the English Premiership in 2023, Hawkins explained that he was "significantly underpaid" at Ospreys, as he explained his decision to pack up and go.

"I want to acknowledge that by signing for Exeter Chiefs, my first professional contract, I have fully prioritised my rugby career," explained Hawkins. "I have done so with my professional development, personal development and financial security in mind.

"The turbulent period in Welsh rugby, where there were no contracts on offer in Wales, put all out of contract players under pressure. Witnessing the number of players in Wales currently out of a job has reinforced my decision.

"Further, while I have spent the last few years playing professional rugby, and later international rugby, I have been held to an 'academy contract' - being significantly underpaid. Being in the early stages of my rugby career, I fully recognise I have a long way to go to reach my full potential. Signing for the Chiefs will allow me to grow as an individual, both on and off the field.

"In terms of my personal development, I have the opportunity to move away from home and challenge myself in new ways, enabling me to mature further. I will also have access to great facilities and coaching staff, and the chance to gain important experience at a competitive level. I will do my best to be truly valued there. As a passionate rugby player, my ultimate goal is to fulfil my potential for my club and my country, despite this being put on hold for now.

"However, I am very grateful and excited to focus on next season with my new club. I am determined to work hard and achieve success with my new team-mates at Sandy Park over the coming years."