NEW DEAL FOR WALES HOPEFUL
CAM Winnett has pledged his future to Cardiff by signing a long-term deal at the club – and he could celebrate today with a Wales call-up.
The 21-year-old full-back has enjoyed a breakthrough season, having only penned his first senior contract in the summer.
He is tipped to be named in Warren Gatland’s Six Nations squad which is announced today, having previously impressed for the under-20s.
Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt said: “We are delighted to have extended Cam beyond the end of his existing contract.
“It signals our intent of not only retaining our best young players but also extending the lads that we want to build the club around.
“Cam has been excellent so far this season.
“He is a really good person and professional which has shown in the consistency of his performances.”
Winnett said: “This is a really proud moment for myself and my family and I am so grateful to everyone who has helped me get to this point in my career.
“To sign a long-term contract with a club I love and grew up supporting is amazing and I couldn’t be any happier.
“The season has been going well for me so far. I am really grateful for the opportunities I have been given by the coaches, I am loving the way we are playing and it’s just a really enjoyable group to be part of.”
Winnett could be one of a host of new faces in Gatland’s squad, which is expected to have a fresh look as a number of senior Wales stars departed the international stage following last year’s World Cup.
That opens up a host of avenues for Gatland as he begins preparing Wales for another four-year World Cup cycle. With that in mind, today’s squad may feature a stream of talented youngsters who would be in the frame to make the trip to Australia in 2027.
Among the names that could feature is Archie Hughes, the highlyrated scrum-half who the Scarlets included in their team to face Clermont in the European Challenge Cup in France at the weekend.
Hughes has his admirers among senior Wales figures and played a starring role for the under-20s in last summer’s Junior World Championship.
Another top performer in that tournament was No. 8 Morgan Morse, who gave his selection chances no harm with a superb display capped by an incredible solo 40-metre solo try for the Ospreys against Cardiff on New Year’s Day.
With Taulupe Faletau sidelined by injury, another No. 8 in the mix is Cardiff’s Mackenzie Martin, who has created a major impression at the Arms Park this season.
Ospreys lock James Fender has also made a case for inclusion.
But the chances of Bulls back-rower Cameron Hanekom being named in the squad appear to be over.
Hanekom, 21, is Welsh-qualified through his grandmother and has been closely monitored by Wales, with head coach Gatland having watched him action when the Bulls visited Cardiff Arms Park in November.
But Bulls head coach Jake White said: “I’ve spoken to him about it. I think his grandmother is Welsh.
“At this point, I would think it is highly unlikely that he has had any contact (with Wales) because I think he would have told me.”