Gatland challenges Delve to seize chance

Wales boss Warren Gatland has labelled Gareth Delve’s return to Test match rugby on Saturday as “a great opportunity” for the in-form Gloucester captain.

Away from the international arena, Delve is currently a subject of intense speculation about where he will play next season.

Newly-formed Australian Super 15 franchise Melbourne Rebels – England fly-half Danny Cipriani’s destination in five months’ time – and Cardiff Blues have both been linked with him.

There is also a possibility of him remaining at Gloucester, while Delve must balance any move to Melbourne with the likelihood it would end his World Cup selection hopes in New Zealand next year.

“There is a lot for him to play for over the next 12 or 18 months,” said Gatland.

“It is a big game for him against Ireland on Saturday.

“He’s very accurate in the way that he plays – he doesn’t make a lot of mistakes – and he has led Gloucester well, being a big part of their turnaround in form.

“He is a big physical player who will give us some go-forward. It is a great opportunity for him to come in as a genuine number eight and hopefully take his chance.

“He has been unlucky in recent seasons with long-term injuries, and it is good to see him back playing.”

Delve will replace injured Wales captain and number eight Ryan Jones at Croke Park, with flanker Martyn Williams taking over as skipper. Gatland, meanwhile, has recalled hooker Matthew Rees and lock Luke Charteris.

“The World Cup is a huge draw,” admitted Delve.

“I haven’t had the best of times with World Cups in the past, so the chance to possibly make one would be fantastic.

“I have been in the mix for the previous two World Cups and picked up injuries just beforehand.

“These (career) decisions have got to be based around fantastic opportunities that present themselves, but also big sacrifices.

“Some of these decisions are based around opportunities I will never actually get again, and that is what I am weighing up. That is why it is taking so long to come to a conclusion.

“Certainly, the World Cup and international prospects weigh massively on the side of staying here.

“I am seeing this for what it is. I have been called into the team this week to perform against Ireland, and if I do that then hopefully there is another chance for me the week after.

“In terms of international aspirations, I spent a long time maybe feeling a bit disappointed that while being involved with the squad for a long time I had never quite got that chance, that start.

“I have got a chance on Saturday that I am hugely looking forward to, and it is a case of looking at everything from a pretty wide angle and seeing what would be the best in the long term for my whole career.”