Former St Helens winger Regan Grace is in line to make his international bow with Wales this Friday. Grace is an already an international in the 13-man code having made six caps for Wales, but he has been included in Warren Gatland’s starting XV for this week’s clash with Queensland Reds.
After switching codes in 2022, leaving St Helens to join French side Racing 92, the winger has had to be patient. He left the Totally Wicked Stadium on the back of an Achilles injury and his progress took another blow when he suffered a reoccurrence of the same injury last year.
He left Racing without playing a game to join Bath, where he is still waiting to make a debut. As such, his inclusion in this summer’s touring squad came as a something of a surprise, but he has been training with Gatland’s Wales squad Down Under for some weeks.
Wales have already lost twice to Australia twice this month, but they will round off their tour with a friendly against the Reds at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Gatland has named a much changed line-up for the game and Grace has been given the opportunity to show what he can do on the international stage.
The 27-year-old is the only uncapped player in the starting line-up, but after a gruelling couple of years in rugby union, he’ll be determined to make his mark and draw a line under his recent struggles.
“We said that we want the players that have come out here on tour to have an involvement whether that is starting or in the 23,” Gatland said of his selection. “That was always the plan. Unfortunately a few players miss out due to injury, but this game against the Queensland Reds gives a number of others an opportunity to go out and put in a performance.
“I’ve been pleased with the growth we’ve seen in the squad over the last three or four weeks and that growth will continue. We’re expecting a good challenge from the Reds on Friday and know they will be up for this fixture.
“I’m looking to see us stay in the moment and keep scanning for opportunities as well as being alert to threats. Little efforts will make the difference.”
The Port Talbot-man spent six years in the first team fold at St Helens after making the move from Wales at the age of 17. He made 142 appearances for the club and scored 88 tries.
