HAWKINS: I WAS RIGHT TO LEAVE WALES
FORMER OSPREY HAS NO REGRETS – BUT STILL HAS TEST AMBITIONS
JOE Hawkins is happy with his decision to leave Welsh rugby – but admits he still harbours ambitions of pulling on a Wales shirt again.
The 21-year-old burst onto the scene with his first Wales cap in November 2022 and played four more games in the Six Nations last year.
However, he left the Ospreys for Exeter Chiefs last summer and, given he fell below the 25-cap threshold, left his Test career behind.
The decision to move to England was made during a period of turmoil in Welsh rugby, with funding slashed and players unsure about their futures.
Despite not being eligible for Wales, Hawkins is content with his choice to leave.
“I’m 100 per cent happy with my decision,” he told Sportin Wales. “I understand that playing for Wales is a huge thing and it was something I loved doing and I’d love to still be doing it, I think everyone would.
“It was a decision for my personal development as a player but as a person as well, moving away from home. If I’d have stayed in Wales that wouldn’t have been the case.
“I’m still young so whether the 25-cap rule stays or goes, hopefully one day I’ll play for Wales again. But at this moment in time I’m happy focusing on Exeter and establishing myself and getting better.”
Hawkins has played all his rugby for Wales at centre, though he can also operate at fly-half.
That is sure to still interest Warren Gatland, who used both Sam Costelow and Ioan Lloyd in the position during this year’s Six Nations. Neither cemented his position in the side as Wales struggled, losing all five games as they collected the wooden spoon.
Hawkins showcased his ability with the Ospreys and in his five appearances for Wales and many are keen to see him represent his country again.
But he insists he has made the right decision for himself, despite being unable to completely block out all the external noise on social media.
“You obviously see things, regardless of what players say, everyone sees things,” he said of social media discussions surrounding his future.
“You have to pay no notice to it. No-one knows the full story. The only people who know my circumstances are me and my family and the average supporter doesn’t know the ins and outs. You have to take people’s opinions with a pinch of salt.”