Aaron Wainwright Move To Leicester Leaves Tigers Poised To Field All‑Welsh Backrow
Olly Cracknell says Wales have “turned a corner” in the Six Nations as the form of a leading backrower and a set of club moves reshape competition for places. Aaron Wainwright will join Leicester Tigers next season, a shift that could leave the Premiership side with an all‑Welsh backrow and add fresh pressure for national selection.
Cracknell: Wales Showing Signs Of Progress
Cracknell pointed to improved performances after a difficult start to the championship, saying Wales were vastly better in narrow defeats to Scotland and Ireland and that the physicality of the pack had improved. He recalled feeling a change in momentum as far back as the France game and argued that if the team executes its plan and trusts instinct, the side will be competitive week to week.
“I certainly felt actually if we just do what we’ve said we’re going to do and set out to play the way that we’re supposed to as a team, then we’re going to be alright and we’re going to be in games, ” he said, adding that “intent” had been a theme and that mastering new plays and line‑outs was part of the process. Cracknell described that foundation as necessary if Wales are to compete in tightly contested fixtures.
Aaron Wainwright To Join Leicester Tigers
The outstanding form of a backrow performer has influenced selection throughout the Six Nations, and Wainwright’s club move was noted as a significant development in that context. Wainwright will leave Rodney Parade to join Leicester Tigers next season, and his arrival means the Tigers could field an all‑Welsh backrow alongside Tommy Reffell.
Cracknell, who will be a teammate of Wainwright at the Midlands club, welcomed the signing and said the additional competition would be beneficial. He recalled competing with Jasper Wiese at his previous club and said having multiple high‑quality back rowers in a squad is important. Cracknell also said he has been talking with Wainwright about settling into his new surroundings and plans to help him get established after a lengthy spell at his current club.
Club Signings, Squad Competition And What Comes Next
Cracknell has been in and out of the Wales side during this edition of the championship but made a notable impact as a replacement with his carrying game against Ireland in Dublin. He said selection conversations with the coach had clarified expectations and areas for personal improvement following the Scotland match.
Elsewhere, three young Welsh players — Ioan Emanuel, Ieuan Davies and Thompson Cowan — have signed new contracts with an English club, underlining the movement of Welsh talent into the English game. Those signings, combined with Wainwright’s switch, will reshape club competition and give coaches additional selection permutations to consider.
Cracknell expressed optimism that the team can finish the tournament with a win over Italy, calling the prospect achievable if Wales maintain the physical base he described and add the extra elements required to win tightly contested matches. That aim stands as the immediate test for a side Cracknell believes is trending in the right direction, even as selection battles and club moves continue to alter the landscape.
