Josh Adams PROFILE

Josh Adams has called on all four Welsh regions to make a winning start to the BKT United Rugby Championship this weekend.

Josh Adams has labeled Wales’ upcoming Guinness Six Nations showdown with Italy as a pivotal moment in their campaign, as Warren Gatland’s side look to end a harrowing losing streak. Defeat in Rome would leave Wales staring down the prospect of a second consecutive Six Nations wooden spoon, with formidable fixtures against Ireland, Scotland, and England still to come.

At a time when Welsh rugby could do with white knights who can ride to the rescue, it’s good to see the return of Josh Adams, even if it’s in blue. Adams will make his first appearance for six months when his club, Cardiff, host the Dragons on Saturday in a URC Welsh derby at the Arms Park that must attempt to lift some of the fog of gloom that hangs over Welsh rugby.

Josh Adams is fit, fresh and raring to go again after a much-needed summer off. The Cardiff Rugby and Wales wing was left out of the Wales tour to Australia in July to enable him to get a knee and groin injury sorted – and to give him a break from the game.

Dan Biggar believes Wales have something to build on after displaying “enough promising signs” during their Australia tour. A 2-0 series defeat against the Wallabies this summer extended Wales’ losing run to nine Tests – one short of equalling the record sequence in 2002 and 2003.

Wales’ under pressure coach Warren Gatland could offer a tour spot to Australia to former rugby league star Regan Grace, despite the wing having played only two senior games of union. Grace was called into Wales’ training following Keelan Giles’ injury, and the Bath player immediately impressed, with Wales assistant coach Jonathan Humphreys describing him as an “X-factor” player.

Aaron Wainwright believes that Wales’ Twickenham appointment with South Africa is an important staging post on the road to the 2027 World Cup. Wales’ resources have been severely tested for Saturday’s encounter with several players either unavailable because the game falls outside World Rugby’s summer Test window so England-based players cannot be considered, injured or rested.

Regan Grace has been described as an “X-factor” player following his shock call-up to Wales’ summer training squad. Former rugby league star Grace, who has only played two senior games of union, could now travel to Australia for a tour highlighted by Tests against the Wallabies on July 6 and 13.

“Change” is the mantra of Keir Starmer and the Labour Party and it might equally be the slogan adopted by Warren Gatland this summer. Only, it’s not 14 years of Conservative government the Wales coach is trying to overhaul, but 14 Tests over the past 10 months.

Warren Gatland is relishing seeing uncapped Gloucester back Josh Hathaway’s potential at first hand after naming him in the Wales squad for summer Tests against South Africa and Australia. Aberystwyth-born Hathaway, who has represented Wales and England at under-20 level, offers options at full-back and wing for head coach Gatland.

Warren Gatland has promised to nurse his latest group of youngsters through their four-match summer series and to give some of his more experienced players a “kick up the arse”. Wales head to Twickenham on 22 June to face the world champion Springboks before travelling to Australia for a two-Test series against the Wallabies and a final fixture with Queensland Reds.

Theo Cabango is hoping lightning can strike twice for his family at Cardiff City Stadium, although this time in reverse. The Cardiff Rugby wing will be following in the footsteps of his older brother, Ben, by playing at the football venue at Judgement Day on Saturday 1 June, when he hopes to help his side beat the Ospreys.