Howley excited by Walker potential

Wales interim head coach Rob Howley has described Ospreys wing Eli Walker as “exceptional” after including him in his squad.

Wales interim head coach Rob Howley has described Ospreys winger Eli Walker as “exceptional” after including him in the Six Nations squad.

Walker has impressed in the Heineken Cup against Toulouse and Leicester Tigers, with Howley stating that the 20-year old is putting George North and Alex Cuthbert under pressure.

“The number of line breaks and tries he's scored, and ability to beat players is exceptional,” said Howley to BBC Sport.

“To have Eli in putting pressure on George North and Alex Cuthbert – that's a key ingredient for us in terms of competition for places.”

“He's playing exceptionally well.”

“We talked about him in the autumn selection but we just felt he needed to play a couple of more games in the Heineken Cup under the pressure of that higher level and intensity.

“He's played particularly well over the Christmas period. He's very elusive, he certainly turns up in the place at the right time.”