Wales have been dealt a blow after two potential long-term options were named in the England A squad.
Leicester Tigers wing Ollie Hassell-Collins and Northampton Saints lock Tom Lockett have both been on the Welsh Rugby Union's radar as they look to increase Wales' player pool. But both players will be tied to England for the next three years at least if they are included in the matchday squad to face Ireland A at Ashton Gate in late February.
Hassell-Collins has already won two senior caps for England but would have qualified for Wales in February 2026 courtesy of his Welsh grandmother. Former Wales head coach Warren Gatland was a big fan of Hassell-Collins and was hoping to entice the 26-year-old over the Severn Bridge next year.
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Hassell-Collins has himself previously declared his interest in representing Wales. “I’ve got two caps for England, and obviously I’m English," he told The Telegraph last February. "But if I don’t see anything in the next few years then it’s definitely something that I would consider.
“I would qualify [for Wales] the year of the World Cup – that is, if he (Warren Gatland) still wants me. Wales is still part of who I am. My grandma was Welsh and I still have family over there. It’s still a part of me – and I’d never turn it down – but for now it’s England for me.”
But Hassell-Collins' views have evidently changed over the past 12 months.
Northampton lock Lockett has been in outstanding form for the Saints this season.
The 22-year-old is an enormous man at 6ft 7in and 112kg and has previously played for Wales U18s. WalesOnline understands Lockett was one of the 60 players of national interest identified by the WRU as potential Wales internationals of the future.
But it seems very likely he will become unavailable to represent Wales for at least three years which is far from ideal given he plays in a position where there is a collective lack of depth in the Welsh game.
