Blog Banner

Macleod Joins Wales Squad in Argentina

5th June 2006


Following a late call up by Wales Coach Gareth Jenkins, Nick Macleod has had his holiday in France interrupted as he joins six other Blues players in the national squad tour to Argentina.

Nick was originally named on the standby list, but has earned the chance to join the tour following a number of impressive displays towards the end of the Celtic League season.

"Nick is another youngster who will learn from the experience of a tough tour," said Wales coach Gareth Jenkins.

"He gives us options and can play at outside-half and full-back as well as kick goals, and we are sure he will relish what is probably an unexpected opportunity for him.

The opportunity for Nick came following a rib injury to Dragons centre Haldane Luscombe in the Heineken Cup play-off against Overmach Parma.

Jenkins continued, "It's hugely disappointing for Hal to miss out in this manner and disappointing for the squad as he is one of our senior players.

"He has an impact injury which would have ruled him out of the first Test and should really take three to four weeks to fully heal.

"But, as with all such cases, we have to take a positive view of the situation and see the opportunity that has been created for others within the squad."

Full Wales squad: Full back: Lee Byrne (Scarlets), Nick Macleod (Blues). Wings: Chris Czekaj (Blues), Shane Williams (Ospreys), Mark Jones (Scarlets). Centres: Jamie Robinson (Blues), Matthew Watkins (Scarlets), Nathan Brew (Dragons). Outside-halves: Nick Robinson (Blues), James Hook (Ospreys). Scrum-halves: Mike Phillips (Blues), Andy Williams (Bath). Props: Duncan Jones (Ospreys, capt), John Yapp (Blues), Adam Rhys Jones (Ospreys), Rhys Thomas (Dragons). Hookers: Huw Bennett (Ospreys), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Matthew Rees (Scarlets). Second rows: Luke Charteris (Dragons), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Ian Gough (Dragons), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys). Back rowers: Gareth Delve (Bath), Jamie Ringer (Dragons), Alix Popham (Scarlets), Robin Sowden-Taylor (Blues), Gavin Thomas (Scarlets).