Wales have called in reinforcements ahead of the final two Six Nations games against Ireland and Italy
Dragons youngster Ryan Woodman has been called into Wales’ Six Nations squad ahead of the final two matches of the tournament. The 22-year-old back rower is one of two new call-ups alongside Cardiff’s Keiron Assiratti, who is fit again after initially missing out on selection.
Former Wales under-20s captain Woodman has previously trained with the senior squad and has now earned a full call-up following the release of Taine Plumtree.
Plumtree’s Six Nations was finished just 10 minutes into the match against Scotland after he suffered a shoulder injury that is set to keep him out until the last couple of games of the season.
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Scarlets team-mate Sam Costelow remains with the squad despite suffering a nasty ankle injury that left him on crutches in the aftermath at the Principality Stadium. There is still some hope he could be available for the final match of the tournament against Italy on March 14.
Tighthead Assiratti will now challenge Tomas Francis and Archie Griffin for a place in the matchday squad.
Wales’ players and coaches met up in full today after nine players returned from regional duty following their temporary release last week.
Steve Tandy is due to name his side to face the Irish on Wednesday ahead of Friday night’s fixture. There are unlikely to be many changes, with James Botham currently in pole position to start in place of Plumtree after a generally impressive 70 minutes against the Scots.
Dan Edwards or Jarrod Evans will replace Costelow at outside-half.