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New recruit Sheedy on why Wales now owe Gavin Henson a debt of gratitude

By PA
(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Wales new boy Callum Sheedy has revealed Gavin Henson to be among his mentors as he prepares for life in the international arena. The Cardiff-born Bristol fly-half qualified for Ireland through his parents, England on residency – he represented England in a non-cap game against the Barbarians last year – and Wales.

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The 24-year-old was named by Wales head coach Wayne Pivac in a 38-man squad on Tuesday for six autumn internationals, starting against France in 18 days’ time. Sheedy says former Wales star Henson was an influential figure for him as he progressed in the game.

“It feels like so long ago when I was 18 or 19 and working with Nicky Robinson, Adrian Jarvis, Gavin Henson – these guys have been great mentors,” Sheedy said. “And working with Ian Madigan over the last few years (at Bristol), he’s been absolutely unbelievable for me. He took my game to another level – the competitive edge he brought to training, the way he drove me on.”

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Sheedy has proved a pivotal figure in Bristol’s qualification for the Gallagher Premiership play-offs and European Challenge Cup final this season. He has amassed 177 league points – only Bath’s Rhys Priestland and Harlequins number 10 Marcus Smith have scored more – and proved a master tactician for the west country club.

“Pat (Bristol rugby director Pat Lam) talks a lot about international standards and being world-class,” Sheedy added. “Obviously, I don’t know what the international set-up is going to be like, but as far as what Pat drives here, it’s as close to international as I can imagine.

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“Every day, he is pushing us. Whether it’s extra skill work, extra analysis work, Pat and the coaching staff are amazing, and I know I wouldn’t be anywhere near an international call-up if it wasn’t for Pat and the coaches.”

On the call-up from Wales boss Pivac, Sheedy added: “It feels a bit surreal. I feel really proud and can’t wait to get going. “When I watch my games back, I am never satisfied. I could do 100 good things, but it’s that one bad thing that will stick out in my mind. I don’t want to change too much. The biggest thing is just trying to pick up on game-plan, pick up on the different techniques that the coaches want and just try and learn and grow my game as much as possible.”

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Sheedy will be joined in the Wales squad by Bristol colleague Ioan Lloyd, who, at the age of 19, has also excelled in domestic and European competitions this term. A back three performer who can also carry out fly-half duties, his versatility underpins an outstanding talent.

Lloyd said: “It’s a dream come true to get the call-up. I am just really excited to get in there now and see what it’s all about. I was pretty much in shock when I found out. I wasn’t expecting it at all. Going in (to camp) is going to be a bit of a shock, seeing all of the boys I have watched growing up playing for both Wales and the British and Irish Lions. It’s going to be a bit surreal at first.”

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J
JW 10 minutes ago
'Passionate reunion of France and New Zealand shows Fabien Galthie is wrong to rest his stars'

Where? I remember saying "unders"? The LNR was formed by the FFR, if I said that in a way that meant the 'pro' side of the game didn't have an equal representation/say as the 'amateur' side (FFR remit) that was not my intent.


But also, as it is the governing body, it also has more responsibility. As long as WR looks at FFR as the running body for rugby in France, that 'power' will remain. If the LNR refuses to govern their clubs use of players to enable a request by FFR (from WR) to ensure it's players are able to compete in International rugby takes place they will simply remove their participation. If the players complain to the France's body, either of their health and safety concerns (through playing too many 'minutes' etc) or that they are not allowed to be part in matches of national interest, my understanding is action can be taken against the LNR like it could be any other body/business. I see where you're coming from now re EPCR and the shake up they gave it, yes, that wasn't meant to be a separate statement to say that FFR can threaten them with EPCR expulsion by itself, simply that it would be a strong repercussion for those teams to be removed (no one would want them after the above).


You keep bringing up these other things I cannot understand why. Again, do you think if the LNR were not acting responsibly they would be able to get away with whatever they want (the attitude of these posters saying "they pay the players")? You may deem what theyre doing currently as being irresponsible but most do not. Countries like New Zealand have not even complained about it because they've never had it different, never got things like windfall TV contracts from France, so they can't complain because theyre not missing out on anything. Sure, if the French kept doing things like withholding million dollar game payments, or causing millions of dollars of devaluation in rights, they these things I'm outlining would be taking place. That's not the case currently however, no one here really cares what the French do. It's upto them to sort themselves out if they're not happy. Now, that said, if they did make it obvious to World Rugby that they were never going to send the French side away (like they possibly did stating their intent to exclude 20 targeted players) in July, well then they would simply be given XV fixtures against tier 2 sides during that window and the FFR would need to do things like the 50/50 revenue split to get big teams visiting in Nov.

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