Ryan Woodman Called Up for Wales Six Nations Squad | Dragons RFC News
Dragons RFC back row Ryan Woodman has been called up to the Wales squad for the Guinness Six Nations match against Ireland on Friday.
The 22-year-old, who has made 43 appearances for the Men of Gwent, joins team-mates Aaron Wainwright and Ben Carter in Steve Tandy’s squad. Woodman’s inclusion represents a significant step in his burgeoning career and comes as he continues to impress for the Dragons.
While Woodman missed out on initial selection for the Six Nations, this call-up suggests he is firmly on the radar of the Welsh coaching staff. He has already had a taste of the international setup, having trained with the Test squad last month, and is now poised to potentially make his debut against a formidable Irish side.
The timing of the call-up is particularly noteworthy given recent injuries within the Wales squad. Flanker Taine Plumtree and lock Rhys Davies are both sidelined, creating opportunities for emerging talents like Woodman to step up. Dragons defence coach Dale MacLeod recently highlighted Woodman as a player with the potential to become “world class,” and believes he is on track to feature in the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
MacLeod emphasized the importance of managing Woodman’s development carefully, stating, “It’s really important that we manage him and don’t get him there too early.” He added, “He got the opportunity to train with Wales and it’s so good when young men get a small taste of it. I think it’s critical that they get a taste rather than getting thrown in.”
Woodman’s versatility is also a key asset. Capable of playing both blind-side flanker and lock, he provides tactical flexibility for Tandy and the Welsh coaching team. He has demonstrated this versatility this season, featuring in 12 of 15 games for the Dragons, with two starts in the second row.
The Newport-born player came through the Dragons academy, debuting for the team in 2022 after developing his game with Caldicot RFC. His family roots are in England, but he has firmly established himself as a Welsh rugby prospect. He captained Wales Under-20s, further demonstrating his leadership qualities.
This call-up is not only a personal triumph for Woodman but also a testament to the development pathways within the Dragons organization. MacLeod praised Steve Tandy and his coaching group for their work in nurturing the next generation of Welsh players, stating, “Steve and his coaching group are doing a great job and I love how they are growing the next lot of players.”
Woodman’s inclusion in the squad adds further competition for places in the Welsh back row and second row. With Wainwright and Carter already established members of the squad, Woodman will be looking to make a significant impact in training and potentially earn a place in the matchday 23 for the crucial encounter with Ireland.
The match against Ireland, , represents a significant challenge for Wales. Ireland are currently one of the top-ranked teams in the world, and a victory would be a major boost to Wales’ Six Nations campaign. Woodman’s potential involvement adds an exciting dimension to the team and offers a glimpse into the future of Welsh rugby.
The Dragons RFC have congratulated Woodman on his call-up, highlighting his dedication and progress within the club. His journey from Caldicot RFC to the Wales squad is an inspiring story for aspiring rugby players throughout Wales.
As Woodman prepares to join the Wales squad, the focus will be on integrating him into the team environment and preparing him for the challenges ahead. His versatility, potential, and recent training with the squad suggest he is well-equipped to make a positive contribution, and Welsh fans will be eager to see him in action.