Wales call up Taine Plumtree for Italy Six Nations clash

Wales have bolstered their squad for the upcoming Six Nations clash against Italy by calling up Scarlets back-rower Taine Plumtree.

This addition comes amid ongoing injury concerns over number eight Aaron Wainwright and centre Owen Watkin, who both sustained injuries in Wales’ opening-round defeat to France.

Plumtree will join the squad in their training camp in Nice before traveling to Rome, where Wales will seek to bounce back from their heavy 43-0 loss against France. Additionally, Sale prop WillGriff John has also linked up with the squad after recovering from a head injury, adding further reinforcement to the team.

While Plumtree’s inclusion provides much-needed cover in the back row, uncertainty continues to surround Wainwright and Watkin’s availability.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has yet to confirm a recovery timeline for the duo, though neither player has been officially released from the squad.

Wainwright suffered a facial injury just four minutes into the match against France. However, he has avoided both a concussion and a facial fracture, raising hopes of a potential return. Watkin, on the other hand, was carried off the pitch and later seen leaving the stadium on crutches.

Head coach Warren Gatland previously indicated that the centre may have suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, a setback that could rule him out for the remainder of the season.

Plumtree’s call-up suggests he will provide cover not only for Wainwright but also for Taulupe Faletau, another specialist number eight who was absent from the French encounter due to a knee injury.

In Friday’s match, Wainwright was replaced by Leicester flanker Tommy Reffell, forcing James Botham to switch to number eight.

Despite Watkin’s injury, Wales have opted not to bring in additional centre cover, relying instead on the available options, including Nick Tompkins, Ben Thomas, Eddie James, and Joe Roberts.

Gloucester centre Max Llewellyn and fly-half Gareth Anscombe remain omitted from the squad.

As Wales prepare for their showdown in Rome, Gatland’s squad faces immense pressure to turn their fortunes around.

The team is currently on a 13-match losing streak, and a defeat to Italy would only deepen their woes.