Centre Hawkins determined to make World Cup
Joe Hawkins says missing the 2023 Rugby World Cup has strengthened his determination to earn a place in Wales’ squad for next year’s tournament in Australia. The 24-year-old was unavailable for selection after moving from the Ospreys to Exeter, because Wales’ 25-cap rule restricted players with fewer than 25 caps who played outside the country.
Hawkins has since returned to the national side after joining the Scarlets and has won 13 caps. Wales have at least 12 matches before the World Cup, beginning against Japan in Cardiff next Saturday; Hawkins and fellow Scarlets centre Eddie James have started together seven times in the past year. With Ben Thomas injured, Hawkins is among the contenders at inside centre, where Wales are weighing creative ball-playing options alongside the need for a strong, rounded game.
In short
- Missing the 2023 tournament has made Hawkins more eager to reach Australia.
- He has returned to Wales after joining the Scarlets.
- Hawkins and Eddie James have formed Wales’ most-used centre pairing.
Explained simply
The Rugby World Cup is a major international tournament held every four years. Wales selects a squad from players who qualify to represent the country, and competition for places can be strong, particularly in specialist positions such as centre.
Wales has previously limited selection of players based abroad if they have fewer than 25 international caps. Joe Hawkins moved from Welsh club Ospreys to English club Exeter before reaching that mark, making him unavailable for the 2023 tournament; he has since returned to Wales, joining the Scarlets, and has played for the national side again.
Inside centre is a role in the middle of the back line, where teams may want a player who can create attacking opportunities as well as defend and support other parts of the game. Wales has several matches before the tournament in Australia, giving players time to compete for squad places.