Coach reveals English Premiership star is 'on Gatland's radar' for Wales call-up (original) (raw)

Max Llewellyn has been tipped for a Wales recall by his club coach after it was revealed Wales management are currently 'talking about him'.

The 25-year-old made his Test debut last year in the World Cup warm-up against England, with his second cap coming two weeks later against South Africa.

Since then, though, the centre hasn't featured for Warren Gatland's side, although his coach at Gloucester, George Skivington, believes that could soon change following his strong start to the Gallagher Premiership season.

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The former Cardiff player has shown off his versatility this season, starting for the Cherry and Whites in both midfield and on the wing - something that won't have escaped the attention of Gatland and his coaches, with attack coach Alex King having been present at Kingsholm this season to watch Gloucester's growing Welsh contingent.

“I think he has to be in the conversation,” said Skivington about Llewellyn. “I know the Wales crew very well, and I know certainly they were saying it’s great he’s playing a variety of positions, and he’s on the radar and they’re talking about him.

“It will all depend on who’s going well in the URC, but in my opinion Max is getting better and better all the time.”

Llewellyn is one of many potential Welsh call-ups from Gloucester at the moment, with Tomos Williams, Gareth Anscombe and Josh Hathaway at the club. Lock Freddie Thomas is another who has outlined his ambitions to pull on the red jersey.

However, even with the outstanding form of Williams in particular since joining Gloucester this summer, Llewellyn has been the pick of the bunch at the club according to his coach.

“Max has been outstanding; we have a player of the month and Max won that this month," Skivington added. "He’s been asked to play on the wing – which he’s done for Cardiff but not in the Premiership – and he’s done a great job.

“He set up (Christian) Wade’s try against Bristol, and if you look at the sidestep and ability to offload in the tackle, he’s been brilliant. I think he’s really come into his own this season and he’s making it very hard not to select him.”

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