Delve chose Melbourne Rebels ahead of potential offers closer to home

Wales coach Warren Gatland says he will consider Melbourne Rebels-bound Gareth Delve for the 2011 World Cup.

But he admits the number eight's decision to move to Australia when he had options in Europe has cost him his short-term international ambitions.

"He would be someone to call on during the [2011] World Cup [in New Zealand], and we will certainly have an eye on him then," said New Zealander Gatland.

"But otherwise it will be difficult because he will be so far away."

Delve, 27, found himself in the international wilderness because he chose to undertake a full pre-season training schedule last summer rather than joining the Wales tour to North America, while playing outside the Welsh regional structure in Gloucester has also cost him.

It was pretty disappointing that [Delve] turned down the chance to move back to Wales Warren Gatland

But the number eight, who has 11 caps, was called into the Wales Six Nations squad and was then picked for the 13 March game against Ireland when injuries struck and his qualities as a ball carrier were needed.

Captain Ryan Jones' return to fitness meant Delve was restricted to a substitute appearance against Italy.

That was in a period when he was deciding his playing future, with Cardiff Blues and new Super Rugby franchise the Rebels thought to be leading the race for his signature.

The Cardiff-born 6ft 3in, 18st 2lb back-rower opted for the opportunity in the southern hemisphere, although he said he remained desperate to keep his Wales career alive.

"I hope continuing to play for Wales is a realistic option," said Delve, who offered to pay his own air fare back and had his ambitions supported by Rebels coach Rod Macqueen.

606: DEBATE Does Gareth Delve have an international future with Wales? Sean_D

"Representing my country is huge for me but testing myself against the best Tri-Nations players and compete on their playing fields was a once-in-a-career opportunity.

"I hope there can be some flexibility with Wales as obviously it will difficult with the geography but I'd be willing to work as hard as I can to make Wales dates.

"I've arranged with the Rebels that, provided dates don't interfere with the Super 15 season - and the only competition that falls inside that is the Six Nations - then they are more than happy to release me for my Wales commitments.

"It will just be a case of me coming back and even if that had to come out of my pocket for tours, autumn internationals and the World Cup then that will be something that I'll be more than happy to do.

"But I know it makes things more difficult for my Welsh aspirations and hopefully we can work through that.

"If not, I am 29 at the end of my next contract and hopefully there's plenty of time left in me to attain those ambitions. I'm open to dialogue with the Welsh guys and let them know my decision when I signed."

Delve has never played his professional rugby in Wales, having left Rumney High School in Cardiff at the age of 16 to take a college rugby scholarship in Bristol.

He signed for Bath in 2001 and won his first cap in 2006, but his career for club and country has been disrupted by a series of serious injuries.

The pattern continued as he enjoyed a successful spell with club and country after joining Gloucester in 2007, only to be hit by a serious knee injury in the summer of 2008.

He is set to become the first Welshman to play in Super Rugby, and is expected to be joined at the Rebels by Newport Gwent Dragons' Kiwi back-five forward Hoani MacDonald, along with England's Danny Cipriani.

Delve could have been a valuable addition to Wales' back-row resources for their Cardiff date with South Africa on 5 June and the two-Test tour of New Zealand that follows later that month.

Dafydd Jones and Dan Lydiate have been ruled out while Gatland says he will consider resting Martyn Williams, but the Wales coach does not seem to consider Delve an option this summer.

"It was pretty disappointing that [Delve] turned down the chance to move back to Wales," said Gatland.

"He will not be available for next year's Six Nations, and as far as the national squad goes he has pretty much ruled himself out.

"He knew what was at stake, but decided that he had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play in the Super 15 and you cannot blame him for that."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version