Scarlets forward Fletcher Anderson has reiterated his desire to represent Wales, saying the prospect of international rugby was a “big, big reason” behind his decision to re-sign with the region. The New Zealand-born back rower, 23, cannot currently play for Wales but hopes to become eligible through residency in the coming years.
Anderson attracted interest from Saracens, URC leaders Glasgow Warriors and several French clubs before committing to a new long-term contract with the Scarlets in April. He admits the chance to feature in the Six Nations or a World Cup has been a driving force.
International dream fuels Scarlets commitment
“It’s in the back of my head. It was a big, big reason I re-signed. You want to play international footy,” he told Scrum V. “Any athlete just wants to play at the pinnacle, whether that is in New Zealand or Wales. Any rugby player wants to play at the highest level and at the moment I can’t play for New Zealand.”
“Everyone wants to play in the Six Nations or at a World Cup. That’s the dream. If that can motivate me for the next few years then I saw that as a big bonus. If that comes down the line then great but there are a few bridges to cross before then.”
Anderson’s immediate focus is on returning from injury and establishing himself with the Scarlets. He has four years of his residency period still to serve, though his first season suggests he could be a significant addition to Wales in the build-up to the 2031 World Cup.
St Helen's opener moved to Saturday
The Ospreys have announced changes to the opening schedule at St Helen's, with today's planned first matches at the venue relocated. Gower College and Swansea University fixtures were due to be the first played at the redeveloped stadium but will now be held elsewhere to allow more time for final operational sign-offs.
Saturday's match between Swansea RFC and Ebbw Vale will be the first fixture on the new pitch, with one stand open. The Ospreys' first home match against the Dragons on October 24 remains on schedule, followed by a clash with Cardiff.
Richard Lancaster, Managing Director (Business) of the Ospreys, said: “Bringing a ground with this much history back to life is a major undertaking, and we are bringing areas of the venue into use as they are signed off. We’re grateful to the teams and supporters affected this week for their understanding and flexibility, and we’re looking forward to welcoming competitive rugby back to St Helen’s from Saturday. There is a fantastic programme ahead of us throughout October, culminating in our first two Ospreys home fixtures against the Dragons and Cardiff Rugby.”
Wales duo backed to boost Gloucester
Former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio has tipped Wales duo Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake to improve Gloucester's Champions Cup prospects. The Kingsholm club begin their European campaign against champions Bordeaux on October 16.
“I don’t think they’re necessarily there to light up the Champions Cup and win the competition - I think they would argue that themselves,” said the former No.8. “But there are definitely signs, with the addition of Jac Morgan, Dewi Lake and their other recruits, that they’re going to be competitive.”
“I think bringing in (technical director) Chris Boyd has been a really positive move. You’ve only got to see the benefits Northampton have reaped as a result of his work. He’s the kind of strategist and visionary who can give them the structure and foundations they need, with George (Skivington) taking a much more hands-on approach in a coaching role. It is so far, so good. It seems to be working really well. And what better way to announce yourself and measure yourself than the opening weekend at Kingsholm, under the lights, against the reigning champions? I’m really looking forward to that.”
Pollock targets Olympic sevens switch
Henry Pollock has said representing Great Britain Sevens at the 2028 Olympics is “definitely something I'm aspiring to do”. Several players, including Marcus Smith, Tommy Freeman, Henry Arundell and Noah Caluori, have been linked with a move to Sevens ahead of the Los Angeles Games.
While next year's World Cup is Pollock's priority, the 21-year-old could follow Antoine Dupont's example, especially given Eddie Hearn's efforts to market Pollock to wider audiences. There is no guarantee Great Britain will compete in rugby sevens at the next Olympics, with the men's team relegated from the main SVNS circuit earlier this year. Qualification begins this year.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pollock said: “Obviously we’ve got the World Cup next year, so that’s going to be big. Hopefully we do really well in that tournament. After that, see how it goes, see how my career goes and just keep enjoying my rugby. That’s the main thing for me, I love playing this game, I love playing this sport.”
Asked about a potential switch to sevens, he added: “Hopefully, I don’t know yet how it will work. But it’s definitely something I want to do in my career. Seeing what Antoine Dupont did in the last Olympics, it’s definitely given me some sort of motivation to play, but I just need to take it step by step and hopefully it all fits in place and it naturally happens. But definitely it’s something I’m aspiring to do.”
