When Adam Jones tore ankle ligaments last weekend, Hansen had a short list of only one player – Cardiff’s Ben Evans – to replace him, and Wales desperately need more men to battle for the No 3 jersey.
Bell, who has turned out for Welsh clubs Pontypridd and Ebbw Vale in recent seasons, qualifies for Wales on residency grounds in May, just before the summer tour to Argentina and South Africa. He is keen to follow in the footsteps of other overseas-born players in the Wales squad, including Brent Cockbain (Australia), Sonny Parker (New Zealand) and the English trio of Iestyn Harris, Tom Shanklin and skipper Colin Charvis.
‘From my perspective, it seemed nonsensical to sit on the bench this weekend – and possibly not even get on – when it would mean a potential international career over,’ the 29-year-old said.
‘It was a real honour to be selected, but at this moment in my career, I didn’t feel it was in my best interests.’
Bell was called up by the England A coaching staff after Bath colleague David Flatman pulled out of the Perpignan trip through injury.
But Bell, a cornerstone of the Bath pack this season, says he has had encouraging conversations with Wales coach Hansen and team manager Alan Phillips, and will now focus on a possible international career in the red jersey.
‘I was given the opportunity to play for England A this weekend, but I wasn’t initially picked for the side and I knew David Flatman was injured,’ said Bell, who commutes to training from his home in Wales.
‘So when I got the phone call, I knew I was only there because of injuries. I spoke to Alan Phillips and Steve Hansen to get their opinions.
‘Talking to them, we were all of the opinion that it probably wasn’t in my best interests to go out to France and sit on the bench for England A.
‘If I did that, there would be no turning back. I would have to commit myself to England, and come May when I am eligible for Wales, I wouldn’t have been able to take that any further.
‘I spoke to the Welsh management before I left Pontypridd for Bath, and they were keen for me to live in Wales and qualify through that route, and I was keen to do it.
‘I love Wales, and if they feel I am playing well enough once I have qualified, I would be honoured to represent them.’
Meanwhile, 26-year-old Celtic Warriors prop Chris Horsman has a year longer to wait, but is just as keen to play for Wales.
‘If Wales wanted me to play for them I would be honoured and delighted,’ said the try-scoring Englishman, who qualifies on residency grounds in May next year.
‘I moved here in 2002 and love it in Wales. My daughter was born here and we have got another child on the way.
‘I am enjoying absolutely every minute of it.’
