Welsh Rugby

  • Home
  • Rugby
  • Taine Plumtree Called Back By Wales With Fears Over Aaron Wainwright Loss

Taine Plumtree Called Back By Wales With Fears Over Aaron Wainwright Loss

Paul JonesPaul Jones3 February 2025
Taine Plumtree of Wales. Pic: IOIO IMAGES / Alamy Stock Photo

Taine Plumtree of Wales. Pic: IOIO IMAGES / Alamy Stock Photo

Scarlets back-rower Taine Plumtree has been drafted into Wales’ Six Nations squad as they prepare for their crucial clash against Italy in Rome on Saturday. His call-up follows ongoing injury concerns for Aaron Wainwright and centre Owen Watkin, who both sustained injuries in Wales’ 43-0 defeat to France in Paris.

By Paul Jones

Scarlets back-rower Taine Plumtree has been drafted into Wales’ Six Nations squad as they prepare for their crucial clash against Italy in Rome on Saturday.

His call-up follows ongoing injury concerns for Aaron Wainwright and centre Owen Watkin, who both sustained injuries in Wales’ 43-0 defeat to France in Paris.

Plumtree, who has six international caps, will link up with the squad at their training base in the south of France before they travel to Rome.

He was initially left out of the squad, despite featuring in the autumn.

The 24-year-old provides additional cover in the back row, particularly with Wainwright recovering from a suspected broken cheekbone and Taulupe Faletau still sidelined with a knee injury.

Wainwright was forced off the field just minutes into Friday’s match, prompting a reshuffle that saw Leicester flanker Tommy Reffell come on, with James Botham shifting to number eight.

Meanwhile, Watkin, who left the Stade de France on crutches, is undergoing further assessments for a potential anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which could sideline him for the rest of the season.

Joining Plumtree in the squad is Sale Sharks prop WillGriff John, who has recovered from a head injury and re-enters the Wales setup in Nice.

However, no additional centre cover has been brought in, meaning Wales will rely on existing options such as Nick Tompkins, Ben Thomas, Eddie James, and Joe Roberts.

Despite speculation, there has been no call-up for Gloucester duo Max Llewellyn or Gareth Anscombe.

Warren Gatland’s side will be desperate to end their 13-match losing streak when they take on Italy, aiming to secure a much-needed victory in Rome.

Related News

Wales interim head coach Matt Sherratt. Pic: Alamy

Jockey Saddles Up And Insists His Race Is Run With Wales . . . For Now

Matt Sherratt takes charge of Wales for the final time on Saturday as England come to Cardiff to face Wales in the last round of the Six Nations.

Graham Thomas | 7 hours ago
Aaron Wainwright of Wales. Pic: Alamy

Aaron Wainwright . . . The Winless Wales Warrior Who Is Desperate To Change The Script

Wales face England in the final round of the Six Nations on Saturday, desperate for a win, but no-one is more hungry than Aaron Wainwright.

Graham Thomas | Mar 14, 2025
Gareth Anscombe of Wales. Pic: Alamy

Gareth Anscombe Rejects Warren Gatland’s Verdict Over His Wales Future

Gareth Anscombe was brought in from the cold by interim Wales coach Matt Sherratt and now has his sights set on the future.

Graham Thomas | Mar 14, 2025
Wales interim coach Matt Sherratt. Pic: Alamy

Matt Sherratt Insists A Bad Day At The Edinburgh Office Will Not Prevent Wales From Ending Their Six Nations On A High

The final round of the Six Nations will see Wales face the old enemy, England, in the final match of Matt Sherratt's temporary spell in charge as his team try to avoid losing for a 17th time.

Graham Thomas | Mar 13, 2025
Wales Jac Morgan. Pic: Alamy

Wales’ Heavenly Seven Jac Morgan Is Tipped To Prove His Lions Class Against England

As Wales look to salvage some pride and restore belief against England this weekend, their captain Jac Morgan will once again be at the heart of their efforts.

Paul Jones | Mar 12, 2025
Wales Kicking Coach Neil Jenkins - Pic: Alamy

Wales Coach Neil Jenkins Keen To Put The Boot Into England Like It’s 1999

The old enemy are in town on Saturday, when England come to Cardiff to face a Wales team desprate to end their losing run.

David Parsons | Mar 11, 2025