Wales coach Warren Gatland insisted Monday his side were “building towards” the 2027 Rugby World Cup as he unveiled a training squad ahead of Tests against South Africa and Australia.
Wales are looking to bounce back from a dismal Six Nations when they lost all five matches to finish bottom for the first time since 2003.
Gatland, whose second spell as Wales boss has so far been notably much less successful than his first, even volunteered his resignation immediately after a loss at home to Italy in March confirmed a woeful Championship watch.
But the 60-year-old New Zealander’s offer was rejected by Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Abi Tierney, with Gatland contracted until the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
“I think everyone appreciates and realises we’re building towards 2027,” said Gatland after announcing his 36-man initial squad for a one-off international against the world champion Springboks at Twickenham on June 22 and a two-Test tour of Australia in July.
“There were moments during the Six Nations where we played some really good rugby and put the opposition teams under some pressure, but we probably weren’t accurate enough.”
He added: “We need to build on that. We need to keep working hard. We’ve got some experience to come back into the squad and some exciting players which is good.”
Gloucester’s Josh Hathaway, 20, was one of four uncapped backs in the squad, along with the Cardiff duo of Jacob Beetham and Ellis Bevan and Ospreys wing Keelan Giles.
Wales are set to be without their England-based players, including Six Nations captain Dafydd Jenkins, the Exeter lock, for the South Africa match.
Non-Welsh clubs are under no obligation to release players for a Test that is being played outside World Rugby’s international window.
An updated squad of 34 players, who will travel to Australia for Tests against the Wallabies on July 6 and 13, will be confirmed following the South Africa match.
Wales training squad:
Backs (14)
Ellis Bevan, Gareth Davies, Kieran Hardy, Sam Costelow, Mason Grady, Ben Thomas, Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin, Rio Dyer, Keelan Giles, Josh Hathaway, Liam Williams, Jacob Beetham, Cameron Winnett
Forwards (22)
Corey Domachowski, Kemsley Mathias, Gareth Thomas, Elliot Dee, Dewi Lake, Evan Lloyd, Sam Parry, Keiron Assiratti, Archie Griffin, Dillon Lewis, Harri O’Connor, Henry Thomas, Ben Carter, Cory Hill, Dafydd Jenkins, Matthew Screech, Christ Tshiunza, Mackenzie Martin, Jac Morgan, Taine Plumtree, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright
Coach: Warren Gatland (NZL)
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