The Cardiff Blues star collected the last of his seven caps in the heartbreaking 31-30 defeat to South Africa in Nelspruit. But he is back in Warren Gatland’s 37-man squad for the RBS Six Nations, which kicks-off for Wales in Dublin on February 7. And Turnbull says it’s great to be back amongst the star-studded squad.
He said: “It’s been a while, but I’m really pleased to get the opportunity to come back into the squad. I was delighted to get the call last week. It will be a huge challenge to get into the match day squads because it’s so competitive in the back-row and second-row. There are British and Irish Lions dotted around everywhere, but it’s a privilege to be in the squad with these people. Hopefully I can push them as hard as I can.
“I’ve just kept plugging away at the Blues and kept my performances at a constant level. I’ve never given up on playing, pulling the Wales jersey on is a privilege, from the first cap to the seventh cap. It will be a privilege if I pull it on again. I like to think I will be able to raise the intensity levels and help out.”
Gatland picked Turnbull off-the-back of some impressive displays for the Blues alongside Wales skipper Sam Warburton. And the former Scarlet is hoping his dynamism can help him play a part in Wales’ bid to lift the Six Nations trophy.
He said: “My preferred position is blindside flanker, but hopefully my versatility will give me an opportunity to get in that match day 23. Being able to cover the second-row and the back-row will help me hopefully.”
