Gareth Anscombe has flatly rejected Warren Gatland’s suggestion the playmaker’s World Cup days are behind him.
Anscombe has set his sights on playing at the 2027 tournament, despite former Wales coach Gatland casting doubt over his long-term international future.
The Gloucester fly-half was left out of Gatland’s initial Six Nations squad in January, with the New Zealander stressing the need to develop younger talent at number 10.
But after Gatland stepped down following Wales’ dismal loss to Italy, interim head coach Matt Sherratt immediately recalled Anscombe, who started against both Ireland and Scotland.
Now, he is set to earn his 42nd cap against England in Cardiff on Saturday and the 33-year-old is adamant that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level.
“I would love to keep playing to the World Cup,” said Anscombe.
“I certainly don’t have a time limit in my head. I’ve missed a large majority of games with injury and I’m hoping they’ll buy me some legs in the back end of my career.
“I’ve played most of the games for Gloucester, I’ve barely missed a game or training.
“Look, those comments were Gats’ opinion. I certainly want to keep playing and a World Cup is certainly a focus.”
Wales head into their Six Nations finale hoping to snap a woeful run of form.
READ MORE: Gareth Anscombe Left Out By Wales After Doubts Over Full Fitness, Says Warren Gatland
Defeat to England would mark their 17th consecutive Test loss and extend their Six Nations losing streak to 11 matches. Their last victory came against Georgia in the 2023 World Cup, and they have lost eight straight home games at the Principality
Stadium.
Former Cardiff and Ospreys star Anscombe acknowledges the urgency of turning things around.
“It would be a bit of relief, everyone’s sick of talking about this losing streak,” he admitted.
“We’re all desperate to get a win. I genuinely feel in these last two weeks we’ve moved the needle in the right way.
“We’re playing the game the way that best suits us. If we can tidy up a few things
and be accurate, I’m sure the tide will turn.
“We’ve worked tremendously hard in the last few weeks and some boys have gone through things that players shouldn’t have to in certain situations.
“We’re capable of producing a special performance and hopefully Saturday is one of those occasions.”
Anscombe is one of three Gloucester players in Wales’ starting lineup, alongside scrum-half Tomos Williams and centre Max Llewellyn.
Gloucester wing Josh Hathaway and lock Freddie Thomas are also in the squad, while the Cherry and Whites’ Rhys Thomas is involved in the coaching staff.
READ MORE: Gareth Anscombe Insists Washed Up Wales Will Turn The Tide Against Australia
With club teammates on both sides of the contest, Anscombe admits a win over England would carry extra significance when he returns to Kingsholm.
“It would make going into training a bit more enjoyable,” he said.
“You don’t need to build this game up and England are coming here with a chance to do something as well.
“England in the stadium is always a bit different. We know there’s going to be an amazing buzz and we would all want to give the fans something to cheer about.”
While Wales look to salvage some pride, England still have a shot at the Six Nations itle.
However, a bonus-point victory for France against Scotland later on Saturday would guarantee Les Bleus top spot.
Despite his determination to extend his Wales career, Anscombe’s club future remains uncertain.
Gloucester have already signed Ireland fly-half Ross Byrne for next season, raising questions over his long-term role at Kingsholm.
For now, though, Anscombe’s focus is solely on finishing the Six Nations on a high.
“My only focus has been on enjoying pulling on the red jersey because when you get to my age you don’t know how many times you are going to get a chance,” he said.
“For me, it’s just enjoying the moment, playing for Wales, and I will take care of the future in the next few weeks.”
