WALES coach Warren Gatland says Eifion Roberts could be a key component at next year’s Rugby World Cup.
The ex-Ruthin prop has been a regular starter for Sale Sharks in the Guinness Premiership and Heineken Cup this season, and Roberts’ performances have been rewarded with a call-up to Wales’ squad for the RBS Six Nations Championship.
But Gatland is looking further ahead - and he is now challenging Eifion to target a starting spot when Wales go to New Zealand for the 2011 World Cup.
The Wales coach told the Free Press: “Eifion, at 25 years old, is a young man for a front row forward and he is definitely one for the future.
“We have set him some targets geared towards him ensuring he is competing for a starting place in the side come Rugby World Cup time in 2011.
“In the meantime he has arrived in camp in good shape and is training well and we know he will not let us down if we need to call on him at any time during this campaign.”
Wales begin their tilt at the Six Nations Championship on Saturday with a trip to Twickenham to take on Martin Johnson’s England.
The Wales squad for the big match was due to be announced on Sunday evening, but this announcement was rescheduled for Wednesday as a result of the appeal lodged against full back Lee Byrne’s two-week suspension.
Byrne was the Ospreys’ extra man in their pivotal 17-12 Heineken Cup Pool Three win last month against the Leicester Tigers.
At the time of going to press, no squad announcement had yet been made.
Gatland also expressed his excitement regarding recent developments connected with North Wales rugby - and he predicts more North Walians will become part of the international scene in the future.
Former Wales defence coach Clive Griffiths is the man in charge of the fledgling RGC 1404 side.
“I know it is an exciting time for rugby in North Wales, the launch of the RGC 1404 team is a significant moment for our national game and myself and my fellow Wales coaches are looking forward to the arrival of even more talent on the international scene as a result,” said Gatland.
The Wales coach has also praised the response of Free Press readers to our successful Eifion For Wales campaign.
Scores of rugby fans answered our call by posting and signing our petition calling for Roberts’ inclusion in Wales’ Six Nations Championship squad and Gatland said: “I’d like to express a personal thank-you to all Denbighshire Free Press readers for taking the time out to show the passion they have for Welsh rugby as well as the high esteem in which they hold Eifion.
“It is only right that the whole of North Wales should be proud of Eifion, he has worked extremely hard to get where he is today and he is a step nearer another cap for his country having claimed a spot in the 2010 RBS Six Nations squad.”
He added: “Thanks again to the Free Press and its readers for letting us know of your support, and keep in touch!”