…Researched and contributed by Solomon Thomas.
Ospreys coach Toby Booth has recently had “conversations” with Joe Hawkins about his future, as the centre moves to Exeter Chiefs for the next season.
Hawkins’ departure from Ospreys is a blow to the team, but his move to Exeter also raises questions about his Test future.
With only five caps, Hawkins falls short of the Welsh Rugby Union’s 25-cap rule. This rule states that capped players with fewer than 25 appearances cannot play for Wales if they play club rugby for teams outside of Wales.
Exeter’s coach, Rob Baxter, recently claimed that he expected Hawkins to continue playing for Wales. However, ultimately, it is up to the Welsh Rugby Union to decide.
The scenario that would allow Hawkins to play for Wales while at Exeter would be if he signed a contract with Exeter before he was called up by Wales in October 2022.
Although it is unclear whether this is the case, senior figures at the Professional Rugby Board are unhappy with how this situation has played out, and it is likely that the rules will be strictly adhered to.
Booth’s Statements on Hawkins’ Future
Booth stated that he is not in a position to decide whether Hawkins can play for Wales while at Exeter.
However, he revealed that there have been recent talks with the centre over his future.
Booth also indicated that he did not know whether Hawkins had signed a pre-contract with Exeter, as he is not Hawkins’ agent.
Booth also spoke generally about the loss of both Hawkins and Ethan Roots, another Ospreys player who has signed with Exeter Chiefs for next season.
He stated that he understands the players’ decisions to leave, as it is a short career, and players need to get as much certainty as possible.
Booth expressed disappointment at losing Hawkins, who is an international rugby player, and Roots, whom Ospreys had identified and developed.
He stated that these are the kinds of players that he would look to recruit or develop from within, and that their departure is disappointing.
However, he added that the team can enjoy the part they played in the players’ development and that often, these players come home.