Wales back-rower Aaron Wainwright has revealed that fierce competition for places is fuelling high-octane training sessions ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship Test against Japan at the Principality Stadium.
Speaking about the intensity of the week's preparations, Wainwright said: "Training's been really sharp - with a little bit of heat surrounding the sessions, which is good. I think that sort of drives the intent into the weekend. The mindset is that we have to start fast and really impose ourselves on the game on Saturday."
Fierce competition for places
Reflecting on an earlier session, the 29-year-old described it as "quite a tasty session," adding: "There's always a bit of disappointment with selection, so the boys were quite revved up. We did a couple of live carry and tackle drills, which had a little bit of bite to them. It's good to get everyone involved in there."
Wainwright noted that rivalry in the Wales back row remains intense, with several players battling for starting spots. "If you make a mistake or you're not on your game, someone's going to be chomping at your heels to come and take your jersey off you," he explained. "The guys that aren't involved have been really good at testing us. Like I said, there was a bit of a bite to training, and you need that. Those guys push you and make sure you're on top of everything you need to be."
The growing number of Wales players featuring in the Gallagher Premiership has added an extra edge to the international set-up. "In terms of driving the intensity of training, a few guys have gone to the Prem and are playing really well," Wainwright said. "You can see that we're all trying to drive the same message and contribute towards that – just keeping on top of detail and keeping everyone accountable for the training and effort we're putting in."
Earl rules out league switch
England star Ben Earl has ruled out a move to rugby league after being linked with two Super League clubs, admitting there was a time when he seriously considered changing codes.
The Saracens back-rower has been the subject of speculation over a potential move to the 13-man game, with Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves reportedly interested. Reports earlier this year suggested the clubs could approach the 28-year-old following the 2027 Rugby World Cup, but Earl has now dismissed the prospect.
Speaking to The Telegraph ahead of England's Nations Championship clash with Australia this weekend, Earl said: "That ship has sailed for me. I'm on the wrong side of 25, but it's still a passion and I love watching it. There was a crossroads [years ago] where I wasn't being picked for England and I felt that I was getting cold feet a bit and wanted to try something else. Thankfully, I didn't go down that route."
Earl has become one of England's most influential forwards under Steve Borthwick, known for his explosive ball-carrying, pace and versatility. Although predominantly a back-rower, he has also featured in the centres.
"There was a moment when I would have been very interested in giving it a go, but I stuck with what I loved and I'm pleased I did," he said. "There's nothing I would change about my career; I've loved every minute of it. No one spoke to me about it and I have no idea where those rumours came from. My focus is fully on rugby union... and golf."
Borthwick's side face Australia on Sunday before taking on Japan and New Zealand, with England hoping to build on a summer campaign that saw them win two of their three matches.
Tandy confident in Wales progress
Steve Tandy is adamant there has been growth in his Wales side over the past year and is confident they will kick on this season. Wales have won three of their 12 Test matches in the Tandy era but are favourites to beat Japan in Cardiff.
"I think it's certain things when you come in you see that are probably maybe you'd like it to be further down the track," he said. "There's lots of stuff that you definitely want to change. I think the connection outside of campaigns now are really good, whether the boys get into the regions, I think we're getting tighter there."
"I think the group are growing really nicely. Some boys have added to caps, they're getting closer. You see the difference in some players, for example you see where Eddie (James) first came in to where he is now. There's been incremental growth and I think we're probably on par where I'd like us to be but again we want to kick on, we want to kick on faster than we have done."
Tandy has picked a strong side to take on Japan, with many key players making big impacts in the Gallagher Premiership. "I do believe are getting more confident in what they do," he said. "The only thing you can judge is obviously the game and the weekend but I see them every day. I feel the intentional training is getting more focused, it's getting more and more competitive, and that's something we speak about in the environment."
"It doesn't matter whether you're in or out, the competition for places, that's the thing that does accelerate things faster. We can put lots of interventions in, skills, the way we train, but competition does push people faster, because you want to play, you want to be in the 23 which I think is getting stronger."
"You look at some of the conversations that I've had on Monday with the boys who are not playing, and there's genuine disappointment. There's probably not much more that some boys can do to get in the team because the boys that are in there are playing really really well which I think is telling us that I think certain places in the team are getting more and more competitive."
