By Paul Jones
Taulupe Faletau will reclaim his Wales No.8 spot for the Six Nations, claims Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt who insists: “If you’re good enough, you’re young enough.”
After a frustrating 15 months sidelined by injuries, Faletau is slowly re-establishing himself as a familiar force on the field.
The 34-year-old, who suffered a broken arm during Wales’ 2023 World Cup pool stage win over Georgia and later broke his shoulder playing for Cardiff, has only logged three hours of rugby since.
But despite the setbacks, Cardiff head coach Sherratt is confident the veteran Lions star has the ability to quickly return to international form.
I’ve loved watching Cardiff play this season but seeing our two British and Irish Lions back on the pitch was perhaps the highlight of the season so far. It’s so good having Josh Adams and Taulupe Faletau back playing at CAP pic.twitter.com/8vgkpxPeyG
— Ben Thomas Jones (@BenThomasJones) December 17, 2024
Sherratt says: “Just as we say with the younger players that they’re old enough if they’re good enough, the same applies to the older guys. If they’re still good enough, then they’re young enough.
“Taulupe is such a class act that I can’t see why he won’t be as good as ever.
“He’s a talented athlete and is still making breaks. But it’s also his diligent work ethic behind the scenes, his understanding of the game and the fundamentals of the set-piece.
“It’s just about us looking after him, keeping him fit and playing. It’s great to have him back, but we can’t just think that’s great and play him every game. That’s not good for him or anyone.”
Faletau’s experience will be crucial for Warren Gatland’s squad, as they strive to end a 12-match losing streak since his last appearance in the victory over Georgia.
Gatland is expected to include him in the Six Nations squad when it is announced on Monday, where his 104 caps make him the likely elder statesman among the forwards.
Not what any rugby fan wanted to see today, Taulupe Faletau off injured in the first half of his comeback
Ulster 3-7 Cardiff
BBC Two Wales#BBCRugby pic.twitter.com/Utl7v2bQKR
— BBC ScrumV (@BBCScrumV) April 19, 2024
While Faletau brings experience, 24-year-old Teddy Williams represents the future for Cardiff.
The towering lock has signed a new contract, securing his services for his hometown club after a standout season.
Williams leads the United Rugby Championship in line-outs won and tackles made and has started every match of the 2024-25 campaign.
“Teddy is a key signing for the club and is fast developing into a foundation of our pack and a leader in the group,” said Sherratt.
“I can see him being a future captain of this club and a real focal point for the club.”
Cardiff Move To Third In URC Table And Matt Sherratt Is A Happy Man
Williams, whose late father Owain also played for Cardiff, expressed his pride in continuing his family legacy.
“The club means a lot to me, and it just feels like this is the right place for me to progress,” said Williams.
“The club is moving in the right direction, and I feel I’m playing some of my best rugby right now. Hopefully, that can see me play more for Wales.”
Williams joins several teammates in committing to Cardiff, including Cam Winnett, Ben Thomas, Liam Belcher, Alun Lawrence, and Regan Grace.
Cardiff-born fly-half Ioan Lloyd is also set to join from the Scarlets in the summer, signaling a strong emphasis on homegrown talent.
