On the day the 54-man Wales Squad reconvened after their summer break to undergo a series of fitness tests, the WRU chief executive David Moffett confirmed that all four games in August will be full-blown Test matches.
‘The WRU Board of Directors have confirmed with the Irish, English, Romanian and Scottish Unions that all nations will be awarding caps for the matches they play in August,’ said Moffett.
‘Let’s face it, you can’t play a friendly against England at any sport. Wales has been playing international rugby against the Irish, English and Scottish sides since the 1880s and on each occasion caps have been awarded.
‘The games we are playing against Ireland in Dublin, on 16 August, against England and Scotland at the Millennium Stadium, on 23 and 30 August, and against Romania at The Racecourse, Wrexham, on 27 August, are all against Rugby World Cup qualifiers and will be huge tests for Steve Hansen’s side.
‘I know that Steve was concerned about possibly devaluing the status of a cap because he is seeking to involve up to 44 players over the four games, but he has assured me that all four games will play a vital part in the build-up to the World Cup.
‘The three home games will provide the Welsh public with a perfect opportunity to cheer on their rugby heroes prior to their departure for Australia and battles with Italy, Tonga, Canada and New Zealand for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
‘The game against England on 23 August is the perfect way to kick-off the Bank Holiday weekend with the current world leaders coming to Cardiff hot on the heels of their Grand Slam victories last season and triumphs over New Zealand and Australia in the summer.’
The Bath back row man Gareth Delve has dropped out of the original 55-man squad after undergoing shoulder surgery.
