Wales: Gloucester boss makes case for ‘outstanding’ back to earn Test return

Louis Chapman Coombe
Max Llewellyn

Max Llewellyn has won two caps for Wales since his debut.

Gloucester director of rugby George Skivington has lauded the form of versatile back Max Llewellyn in the early stages of the Premiership season, and believes he is on the radar for a call-up to the Welsh squad ahead of the Autumn internationals. 

Llewellyn has started all three games this season on the wing, but is also capable of playing across the backline.

‘He has to be in the conversation’

The former Cardiff man made his Wales debut last summer, but has been out of the Test squad since moving to the Premiership.

Commenting on Llewellyn’s potential Test return, Skivington believes he should be in the conversation.

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“I think he has to be in the conversation,” said Skivington. “I know the Wales crew very well, and I know certainly they were saying it’s great he’s playing a variety of positions, and he’s on the radar and they’re talking about him.

“It will all depend on who’s going well in the URC, but in my opinion Max is getting better and better all the time.”

Llewellyn is one of a number of potential Gloucester players who could don the red jersey this Autumn. 58-capper Tomos Williams has hit the ground running in Cherry and White, and been one of their best players in the early part of the season. Likewise, Gareth Anscombe could also be heading back on the bridge this November following his solid start for Gloucester.

Finally Josh Hathaway – who featured for Wales during their tour to Australia – is also a potential option despite not featuring in the Premiership this season, as is young lock Freddie Thomas, who has publicly said he wants to play for Wales.

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“Max has been outstanding”

Llewellyn has been an ever-present in Gloucester’s side in the early stages of the season, and Skivington was full of praise for the versatile back.

“Max has been outstanding; we have a player of the month and Max won that this month. He’s been asked to play on the wing – which he’s done for Cardiff but not in the Premiership – and he’s done a great job.

Skivington added: “He set up Wade’s try against Bristol, and if you look at the sidestep and ability to offload in the tackle, he’s been brilliant. I think he’s really come into his own this season and he’s making it very hard not to select him.”

Gloucester now prepare for an almighty grudge match against Bath, who will be gunning for a solid performance following their shock defeat to Bristol last weekend.

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