They had an honest conversation about the situation during the Six Nations
Gareth Anscombe has ruled himself out of selection for Wales’ summer tour of Australia.
The fly-half, 33, has not played since the World Cup and had to have his contract cut short at Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath owing to injury. He has since joined Gloucester ahead of the 2024/25 season and his return to the UK appeared to suggest he might be included in Warren Gatland’s touring party this summer.
But Anscombe, who has 37 caps for Wales, has now revealed he has spoken with Gatland and will not be available for selection for the tour Down Under.
“I have made myself unavailable for the summer tour which probably was something which I didn’t want to do,” the 33-year-old told the Scrum V podcast.
“It is not easy to say no. I have always wanted to tour Australia. It’s the only one I have never done and I have family that live there. But Gats (Gatland) and I had a good chat in the Six Nations, when we were just eyeing up the next period.
“Speaking to Warren and the coaching staff, I feel as if it’s the best decision.
“I want to play well when I am playing for Wales and add something to the team. If I had gone I would have gone almost the whole season without playing and then be playing at the highest level after not much preparation.”
Importantly, Anscombe has not ruled out a return to the international stage in the future. After missing so much rugby, he wants to get his preparations right with the Cherry & Whites in pre-season and then be picked on merit for the autumn internationals.
He added: “I would love to be part of the autumn series. I still see myself being a big part in Wales’ future although that decision is obviously out of my hands.
“I want to give myself the best opportunity to be the best player I can be come November, and next January and February, and I feel to do that I need a good pre-season.
“There is no point me trying to rush back to the highest level. I have done that a few times, where I have come back from long injuries, only played two or three games and then played at Test level.
“Even though it is tough and I don’t like doing it, I think there is going to be more benefit from getting myself right over the summer. I want to immerse myself with Gloucester, become a part of a new club, and my goal is to start the season well.”
It now narrows the options down for Gatland, who will already be without Adam Beard, Taulupe Faletau and Joe Roberts due to injuries, at fly-half.
It was a position which come in for a lot of scrutiny during a poor Six Nations which saw Wales finish bottom of the table. Ioan Lloyd and Sam Costelow battled it out for the No.10 jersey then, with Cai Evans an option off the bench. Callum Sheedy, who is returning to Cardiff this summer, could be an option for Gatland however.
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