Gareth Anscombe faces uncertain Wales future as Gatland reveals why he's cut him
Gareth Anscombe is facing an uncertain Test future after missing out on Wales' Six Nations squad.
Despite a shoulder injury to Sam Costelow that will keep the Scarlets' fly-half out for up to three months, Anscombe was not included in Gatland's 34-man squad on Monday.
Ospreys youngster Dan Edwards was handed a first call-up, while Ben Thomas will provide the other option at outside-half - despite having spent the autumn campaign in his preferred position of inside centre.
READ MORE: Gloucester in cheeky public dig at Wales after shock omission on star's birthday
READ MORE: Tonight's rugby news as Wales to announce new appointments imminently after review
It all leads to Gatland starting either Thomas or Edwards in the Friday night opener against France in Paris on January 31. Edwards is uncapped, while Thomas has just two starts in the 10 jersey at international level.
Anscombe had been brought back into Gatland's plans in the autumn after a strong start to the season with Gloucester, but, barring any more injuries to Wales' fly-half stocks, will play no part in this year's Six Nations.
"Again, that was a big point," said Gatland on Anscombe's absence. "We’ve spoken about 10 as being the position to develop some strength in depth over the next couple of years, looking short term and long term.
"Getting some experience in the position. We know Gareth has a lot of experience. One of the things we talked about is he’s 33 now and he'll be 36 by the next World Cup. Will he be around? We need to develop some options in that position."
At a time when Gatland is desperate for positive results after being 'challenged to lead Wales to success' in the tournament following a review of the national team's performances, the move away from an experienced fly-half like Anscombe is a bold one.
Given his fitness struggles this season, with a knee issue having kept him out of contention in recent weeks, some might assume his omission was down to a knock.
However, after Gloucester's win over the Scarlets on Friday, Cherry and Whites director of rugby George Skivington confirmed the fly-half was fine.
Anscombe featured twice for Wales in the autumn, starting against Fiji and Australia. However, he played no part against South Africa in the final match - with Costelow starting.
Cardiff playmaker Thomas, who seems the most likely option to now wear the 10 jersey against France in Paris, has seven caps to his name. Having made his debut off the bench in 2021, he was thrust into the 10 jersey on last year's summer tour of Australia, before reverting to midfield in the autumn.
As for Edwards, this is his first involvement with Wales' senior set-up. The Ospreys youngster was invited to train with Wales in the autumn, but missed out through injury.
"For us, it’s the one position where we’ve spoken about trying to develop some strength in depth," Gatland said about the new call-up. "Someone like him gets an opportunity to stake a bit of a claim.
"We’ve been impressed with how he’s controlled games. His kicking game has developed in recent times. He’s got a good running game too."
