Wales will head to Japan this summer desperate to end a record-breaking 17-match winless run, but uncertainty surrounding their head coach situation has cast a shadow over the tour.
The Welsh Rugby Union has yet to appoint a permanent successor to Warren Gatland, with WRU CEO Abi Tierney stating her preference for a full-time appointment before the squad departs.
The Welsh Rugby Union has yet to appoint a permanent successor to Warren Gatland, with WRU CEO Abi Tierney stating her preference for a full-time appointment before the squad departs.
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00:00Wales will head to Japan this summer, desperate to end a record-breaking 17-match winless run, but uncertainty surrounding their head coach situation has cast a shadow over the tour.
00:15The Welsh Rugby Union has yet to appoint a permanent successor to Warren Gatland, with WRIU CEO Abbey Turney stating her preference for a full-time appointment before the squad departs.
00:29However, she has not ruled out the possibility for an interim coach leading the team if the right candidate is not secured in time.
00:38Traditionally, a summer tour coinciding with a British and Irish Lions series has been a chance for Wales to blood fresh talent.
00:47However, with Welsh representation in Australia expected to be minimal, there will be also significant pressure to secure results.
00:56Despite this, whoever is in charge is likely to incorporate a number of young players into the squad.
01:03Rugby correspondent Stefan Thomas has selected a squad with an emphasis on emerging talent.
01:09In the back three, Blair Murray was one of Wales' standout players during the Six Nations and is tipped for a key role.
01:17Ellis Mee showed promise but struggled defensively, though he should be given time to develop.
01:24Tom Rogers returning from injury offers another option, while the explosive Max Page could bring an X Factor to the side with his electric footwork and attacking instincts.
01:36In the centres, Ben Thomas and Max Lewin should retain their spots after showing glimpses of promise, while Scarlett's duo Eddie James and Joe Roberts are highly rated prospects.
01:50Wales will likely be without Thomas Williams, who is expected to tour with the Lions, leaving Kieran Hardy as a strong candidate for the scrum half-roll.
02:00Regardless of the coaching situation, the Japan tour represents a crucial opportunity for Wales to rebuild and, above all, rediscover the winning habit to end their torrid run of fortunes.
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