Josh Adams has earned his chance for a breakthrough role for Wales in the Six Nations, according to his club coach at Worcester.
Warriors backs coach Sam Vesty believes 22-year-old Adams – who left the Scarlets after failing to gain a regular starting spot – has knuckled down and deserves to make his debut against Scotland this weekend.
The chances of Wales coach Warren Gatland turning to Adams have increased as injuries have undermined other options, with Liam Williams, Hallam Amos and George North all struggling for fitness.
Adams has been in consistent try-scoring form for Worcester all season and his finishing power was evident again at the weekend when he crossed twice in the Warriors’ 31-21 Anglo-Welsh Cup victory over Exeter Chiefs.
Vesty believes Adams is ready for a Test debut after improving his workrate, both on and off the field.
“It will be a bit faster but the biggest thing about Josh is he is a good footballer and makes good decisions,” Vesty told the Worcester News.
“He is not reliant on just being able to bosh someone or use his physical attributes which he does have.
“He is better than that because he has got a good skillset and is a very good footballer as well.
“Josh has been outstanding. We have had a few conversations about him not working hard and he’s absolutely put it the effort this year and has reaped the benefits.
“To see him go from strength to strength and actually surprise himself with some of the bits he can do has been fantastic to watch.
“I am very proud of him because he has pushed himself. I knew he had the ability.
“Some of his tries have been off the back of chasing things really hard and the ball has bounced his way.
“You could say there is a bit of luck in that, but there isn’t because if you don’t chase that hard you won’t take advantage of the bounce.
“His kicking has improved massively, but his whole game has come on leaps and bounds.
“He has worked very hard with Eamonn Hyland, our strength and conditioning coach, on his ability to beat someone and worked hard to make his handling game top notch.”
It was former England international Vesty who played a leading role in persuading Adams to leave Wales for the Midlands.
““I saw him playing at the Scarlets and I liked what I saw,” Vesty said.
“I was doing the academy job at Warriors at the time and pushed for him to be given a contract.
“He was not given a deal by the Scarlets and I thought there was something there, so I am chuffed to see what he’s done off the back of being given an opportunity.”
