Wainwright embodies pain and hope of Welsh rugby

Men’s Six Nations: Wales v Ireland

Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff Date: Saturday, 22 February Kick-off: 14: 15 GMT

No Welsh rugby player has gone through the pain quite as much as Aaron Wainwright.

The 27-year-old had his last of 11 stitches removed from his lip and cheek on Monday, but that’s not just because of that.

The Wales team that topped the 2019 world rankings included the Dragons’ eighth player.

But he has won just two of his last 27 games for club and country, against Zebre and Newcastle Falcons who were, at the time, bottom of their respective leagues.

Since Wales won their final test match of the 2023 World Cup against Georgia, Wainwright has lost 25 of his 30 games and had his regional and national head coaches depart.

Dai Flanagan left Rodney Parade in November before Warren Gatland, who made Wainwright his Test debut in Argentina last week, left Wales.

“It’s hard to miss anything with rumours on social media but until Gats actually addressed the room, we didn’t really have a clue”, Wainwright recalled.

Gatland resigned after a second spell in charge, which ended up with just six Test victories.

The New Zealander had three Grand Slam victories, two World Cup semi-finals, and a brief ascendance of Wales to the top of the world rankings in his first 12-year playing career.

“Upon reflection, it’s important to realise and appreciate what a massive and positive influence he was for Welsh rugby over the years”, added Wainwright.

It was disappointing that it had happened because I made my Test debut under him and spent the majority of my professional career abroad.

Wainwright is an expert at shrugging off disappointment.

He was still named Welsh player of the year in this 14-test losing streak, earned his 50th cap, and has since signed a new contract with Dragons, continuing his unwavering commitment to the team.

And he has, of course, experienced the other side of the coin having been part of the 2019 Grand Slam and 2021 Six Nations title successes.

” There’s no hiding from the fact this is a pretty low point, “said the 27-year-old.

” There isn’t a lot of positivity around at the moment. You can turn off some online purchases, but you can’t get away from everything.

Matt Sherratt, interim head coach for Wales, wants his team to play with a smile on their faces.

Even with all the problems with Wales at regional and test levels and when approached by fans in supermarkets, Wainwright continues to be a player in love with the game.

“I always get a lot of fans coming up and asking what’s happening at the Dragons or Wales,” he said. “I actually enjoy those interactions because people are so passionate.”

They understand this is a low point, and they are excited about the chance for us to return to where we were.

Wainwright may be playing for the Six Nations and the United Rugby Championship, but he has a strong commitment.

His fifth try against Italy was his best of his career, having only played in 11 matches for senior rugby, and gave a glimmer of hope in the Roman rain.

It also occurred a week after Antoine Dupont’s studs in Paris caused him a terrible facial injury.

Wainwright has made a career of picking himself back up, but Ireland are now lining up to take the boot off Wales next. Wales intends to do the same.

Matt made a strong point about changing the mindset and making Wales players like to play there.

We’re the only ones who can make changes over the next few weeks, so it’s important to stick together as a player group.

“It’s a massive challenge against Ireland, one of the best teams in the world. They go over every detail about what they do and how little they can get away with.