Wales look at Pretorious, Paterson and Dirksen for future call-ups

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http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2012/05/14/wales-target-southern-hemisphere-blues-duo-and-ospreys-star-hanno-dirksen-for-future-selection-91466-30967932/

ROB HOWLEY has revealed three foreign-born regional stars are on Wales' selection radar.

Howley admitted he has checked up on the eligibility of Ospreys winger Hanno Dirksen and Blues forwards Andries Pretorius and Michael Paterson ahead of naming the summer training squad for the Test series in Australia.

Those checks revealed South Africans Dirksen and Pretorius and New Zealander Paterson weren’t available for the tour of Australia as they still have time to serve before qualifying for Wales on the three-year residency rule.

But back rower Pretorius, who has just returned from a six-month knee injury lay-off, could be big candidate for Wales honours next season as he becomes eligible later this summer.

Blues Player of the Year Paterson has another 12 months to run before qualifying in the summer of 2013, while Dirksen won’t be eligible until January 2014.

“We checked up on the qualification of Michael Paterson and Andries Pretorius as well as Hanno Dirksen,” he said.

“They are not qualified for this tour.”


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Say what you like about eligibility rules, but these 3 would certainly add depth to the welsh squad.

Pretorious is likely to play 8 next season and be eligible for Wales (and has previously stated he wants to play for Wales) - he could prove to be the long term backup to Faletau at 6.

Paterson would provide further depth to the backrow, and could really challenge Lydiate if he can take his regional performances to the international level.

Dirksen is not really a surprise - Wales are a bit short on wings after S.Williams retirement and nobody is really pushing North or even the newby Cuthbert for a place. Pity we will have to wait until 2014 to see if Dirksen can step up to international rugby.

Shame though. Would be great to have Delve in Wales.

Unfortunately I guess these days some of our best players are out of our price range.

I think Cardiff could have afforded him, he probably just wanted to stay in Australia. Can't blame him really!

The Blues are absolutely on their knees. No chance they could have.

I heard he was keen but Rebels had a better offer.

Unfortunately that seems to effect his availability to Wales.


Though that said I think he replaced Faletau in Australia this year didn't he?

He came off the bench in the Brumbies match, he got injured before the test again!

Blues offered him a decent contract to replace Rush, he refused because Toulo offered him more money, then their deal fell through. I done with wanting to see Delve near the Welsh squad. He has said he wants to be there, but has never played well in a Welsh shirt and doesn't play in Wales. I would rather Luke Hamilton at this point.

Valid point and Hamilton looks a great prospect
I see McCusker has moved to 8 this season too.

Let's wait and see on Hamilton, i don't think he has what it takes to be honest.

gowales wrote:Let's wait and see on Hamilton, i don't think he has what it takes to be honest.

You say that about everyone in Wales mate, it hardly needs repeating..!

That said he's a young lad with a career ahead of him and still a lot to prove.


Who else is there coming through at eight or six??

I think Hamilton was at six quite a lot at the JWC..!

Just because i don't praise every player that is Welsh qualified!

Kieran Murphy, McCusker, Pretorius, Shingler perhaps, Lewis Evans

Not a lot depth but we still need to pick players who are up to the level required

Dan Baker, also Blues was at eight with Hamilton at six and Ellis jenkins at seven.

We probably won't see him much for the Ospreys for the next few years like Morgan Allen but yeah he's a possibility for the future

Hamilton looks a very intelligent and mature player and we will just have to wait and see how he develops. Lewis Evans has yet to have the opportunity in a red jersey and he is another who might yet surprise us. Shingler remains awesome IMO and his inclusion depends on the balance of the back row and the forwards in general. We need a solid platform first and foremost. Turnbull and McCusker IMO have never been international players. We have a lot of options in the backrow and its just about get the right balance. It's not an area of weakness as far as I'm concerned, quite the opposite.