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Faletau still in Tandy's plans despite being left out of Wales squad / Photo: DAMIEN MEYER - AFP/File
Faletau still in Tandy's plans despite being left out of Wales squad
Wales coach Steve Tandy said on Tuesday "legend" Taulupe Faletau can still make next year's Rugby World Cup despite leaving the back-row forward out of his squad for next month's Nations Championship.
Faletau, Wales's fifth most-capped player with 109 Test appearances, turns 36 in November and is hoping to play at his fourth World Cup in Australia in 2027.
He starred in his first appearance since March during Cardiff's Champions Cup defeat to Northampton at the weekend.
But Faletau has failed to force his way into a 39-man Wales squad for matches at home to Japan, New Zealand and Australia in the decisive northern hemisphere leg of the inaugural Nations Championship.
"Toby (Faletau), in fairness, has been out for a while," Tandy told reporters as he explained why the British and Irish Lions No 8 had been omitted.
"It's amazing what he can do. We're not ruling anyone out longer term, but it was great to see him back in."
Tandy, asked specifically whether Faletau could make Wales's World Cup squad, replied: "I don't see why not. It does not matter what age you are.
"If you're playing regularly and playing well, we can't afford to not think of anyone. It's all about performances.
"It's great to see him back out there and you can see how quickly he picks up the game from not having a lot of rugby. He's a legend of our game, he's a world-class player, and we will definitely not rule anyone out."
Wales resume their Nations Championship campaign against Japan on November 7 after beating Fiji and losing away to Argentina and South Africa in the southern hemisphere part of the competition.
The All Blacks and the Wallabies will also visit Cardiff's Principality Stadium next month before all 12 teams head to Twickenham for finals weekend at the end of November.
Wales squad
Backs: Josh Adams, Sam Costelow, Rio Dyer, Dan Edwards, Gabriel Hamer-Webb, Joe Hawkins, Louie Hennessey, Che Hope, Eddie James, Max Llewellyn, Ellis Mee, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Blair Murray, Aneurin Owen, Louis Rees-Zammit, Tom Rogers, Tomos Williams
Forwards: Rhys Barratt, Taine Basham, Adam Beard, Liam Belcher, James Botham, Rhys Carre, Ben Carter, Ryan Elias, Seb Davies, Tomas Francis, Archie Griffin, Kane James, Dafydd Jenkins, Dewi Lake, Dillon Lewis, Alex Mann, Jac Morgan, Taine Plumtree, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Aaron Wainwright, Teddy Williams
Coach: Steve Tandy (WAL)
R.Fournier--PS
