Josh Adams targets third Rugby World Cup in Australia
Josh Adams says he wants to play in a third Rugby World Cup in Australia, with Wales scheduled to open their pool campaign against Zimbabwe in Adelaide on 2 October next year. The Cardiff wing said he would love to be selected for the tournament and for a first trip to Australia.
Adams has played 72 internationals for Wales and is 31. He was the World Cup's top try scorer in 2019 with seven tries as Wales reached the semi-finals and was also part of the squad that lost a quarter-final to Argentina four years later. "I've never been to Australia, so that, as well as playing in a World Cup, is something I'm determined to do," said Adams.
Wales' pool includes Zimbabwe in Adelaide, with further group matches against Tonga and England. The national side will begin its one-year build-up with four matches in the second half of the Nations Championship in November. Japan, New Zealand and Australia will travel to play in Cardiff before a final play-off match at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.
Adams spoke about his desire to make the squad and the need for careful preparation. "I'm desperate to go, but there is loads of rugby to be played and months ahead of us," said Adams, looking ahead to the tournament. "It is important that you navigate your way through correctly and get to that start line in a good spot to be selected."
He missed Wales' 43-0 defeat by South Africa in Durban in July after suffering a calf injury and has not featured for Cardiff at the start of the club season. The British and Irish Lions wing has been working on his recovery and emphasised patience in his return to action. "I am training, but it's important that you navigate your way through correctly and there's no rush," said Adams. "I had the calf injury in the summer, but I've been good for a while."
"It's making sure that when I'm playing, I'm 100% fit and healthy, and I've had good preparation time," Adams added regarding his readiness.
Adams says he will be fit for international duty next month, with a return to club action expected in October.