Thomas backing Reffell to fill Tipuric void

Gareth Thomas is backing Tommy Reffell to fill the void left by the 'outstanding' Justin Tipuric and play a key role in Wales' World Cup charge. The emergence of flanker Reffell was one of the bright spots of Wayne Pivac's reign as Wales boss but the Leicester Tigers man started just one match during the 2023 Six Nations following Warren Gatland's return.

Ad But with Tipuric and fellow back row Josh Navidi having called time on their international careers in the past two months, Gatland may be forced to turn to Reffell, which Thomas believes could be a blessing in disguise. RugbyWilliams feels sorry for Carre but backs Gatland to thrive at the World Cup2 HOURS AGO «Reffell has that ability, like Tipuric, to not be too flash but to get the job done and to do the work a flanker is supposed to do,» said Thomas.

«He puts his head in places, understands when is a good time to go for the ball and he's a really intelligent rugby player and when you have someone who is one step ahead of the rest, that shows a quality player.» Reffell has already shown his temperament in big matches, having won the 2022 Premiership final with Leicester before claiming the Player of the Match award in just his second international cap as Wales beat South Africa for the first ever time away from home. Thomas believes a player of Reffell's quality will prove invaluable as Wales look to rebuild under Gatland and shake off a disappointing run of form which has seem them to slip to ninth in the world rankings.