In an unexpected twist on the rugby field, Wales has scooped up Leicester's Olly Cracknell, a loose forward with South African seasoning, for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series. Stepping in for the injured Taulupe Faletau, Cracknell's inclusion adds an intriguing layer to the Welsh lineup. Wales' head coach, Steve Tandy, expressed both disappointment and optimism in the shuffle.
"It’s obviously hugely disappointing to lose Toby to injury as he’s a world-class player, but Olly’s been playing really well for Leicester and we’re excited to add him to the squad," said Tandy.
Cracknell's rugby journey is one of globe-trotting determination. His stint in South Africa was noted by Rupert Moon, a former Wales scrumhalf turned scout, who lobbied hard to bring the young player to Welsh shores. Moon, who encountered Cracknell during his time in South Africa, was impressed enough to pursue him aggressively for a slot at Welsh club RGC 1404.
"I stalked the youngster and convinced him to join RGC 1404," Moon confessed.
Moon elaborated on Cracknell's rigorous South African training regime, which included playing at iconic venues like Loftus Versfeld and Newlands. "He had gone on tour with Leeds Grammar School and decided to pay his own way to go back and join the Border Academy in East London, where he stayed for eight months," Moon told reporters. "I know from speaking to him about it that it was pretty brutal. He was training four times a day, sharing a room, but he wanted that personal and rugby development."
Following his return to the UK in 2014, Cracknell's impressive performances for RGC 1404 caught the eyes of the Ospreys, leading to his first professional contract. His career trajectory continued upward with stints at London Irish and eventually Leicester Tigers, where he currently showcases his skills.
As Wales prepares for their Autumn Nations Series matchups, starting with Argentina in Cardiff on November 9, followed by Japan, and culminating in challenging games against the All Blacks and world champion Springboks, the inclusion of Cracknell could be the wild card they need to build on their recent victory over Japan—a win that snapped an 18-match losing streak.
Wales' 39-man squad is braced for a series that promises high stakes and even higher expectations.
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In an unexpected twist on the rugby field, Wales has scooped up Leicester's Olly Cracknell, a loose forward with South African seasoning, for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series. Stepping in for the injured Taulupe Faletau, Cracknell's inclusion adds an intriguing layer to the Welsh lineup. Wales' head coach, Steve Tandy, expressed both disappointment and optimism in the shuffle.
"It’s obviously hugely disappointing to lose Toby to injury as he’s a world-class player, but Olly’s been playing really well for Leicester and we’re excited to add him to the squad," said Tandy.
Cracknell's rugby journey is one of globe-trotting determination. His stint in South Africa was noted by Rupert Moon, a former Wales scrumhalf turned scout, who lobbied hard to bring the young player to Welsh shores. Moon, who encountered Cracknell during his time in South Africa, was impressed enough to pursue him aggressively for a slot at Welsh club RGC 1404.
"I stalked the youngster and convinced him to join RGC 1404," Moon confessed.
Moon elaborated on Cracknell's rigorous South African training regime, which included playing at iconic venues like Loftus Versfeld and Newlands. "He had gone on tour with Leeds Grammar School and decided to pay his own way to go back and join the Border Academy in East London, where he stayed for eight months," Moon told reporters. "I know from speaking to him about it that it was pretty brutal. He was training four times a day, sharing a room, but he wanted that personal and rugby development."
Following his return to the UK in 2014, Cracknell's impressive performances for RGC 1404 caught the eyes of the Ospreys, leading to his first professional contract. His career trajectory continued upward with stints at London Irish and eventually Leicester Tigers, where he currently showcases his skills.
As Wales prepares for their Autumn Nations Series matchups, starting with Argentina in Cardiff on November 9, followed by Japan, and culminating in challenging games against the All Blacks and world champion Springboks, the inclusion of Cracknell could be the wild card they need to build on their recent victory over Japan—a win that snapped an 18-match losing streak.
Wales' 39-man squad is braced for a series that promises high stakes and even higher expectations.