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Christ Tshiunza will have to wait a while before representing Wales again
Wales head coach Steve Tandy will be unable to select Christ Tshiunza after the forward fell foul of the Professional Rugby Board’s controversial 25-cap law.
Tshiunza currently has 15 caps to his name but after deciding to leave Exeter Chiefs to sign for Sale Sharks he has been deemed ineligible.
Tandy wanted the option of selecting Tshiunza, who finished the season in outstanding form to help Exeter Chiefs reach the Gallagher Prem final, and the matter was discussed at PRB level.
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After much debate it was decided that because the 24-year-old received a competitive offer from two Welsh clubs – Cardiff and the Ospreys – he will be ineligible for selection.
Tshiunza was initially allowed to represent Wales while at Exeter Chiefs because he was uncapped when first selected.
“We have been keeping an eye on him but there’s been a process and he’s been deemed unavailable for us through the 25-cap law,” said Tandy.
“That’s a shame. There’s been a process followed so unfortunately Christ will be unavailable to us.
“I’m not involved in all the procedures. There’ll be more detail to come out around it I’m sure.
“For now he’s been deemed unavailable for us.”
This isn’t the first time the PRB has voted on such a matter; Saracens prop Rhys Carré was deemed eligible for selection last autumn despite only having 23 caps because he did not receive a competitive offer from a Welsh side.
Tshiunza, who can play both lock and backrow, has only signed a one-year contract with Sale Sharks so if he wants to represent Wales at next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia he will have to sign for a Welsh club.
The law is extremely unpopular with many supporters, but it is in place to ensure the national coach has greater access to his squad and to make the four professional clubs competitive.
“I think you are always disappointed when any player is unavailable for us,” said Tandy.
“We want as many Welsh players available to us as possible but there’s also a process we’ve got to follow to make sure that it is done correctly and the players that are in Wales as well.
“As a coach you want it all, don’t you!
“I wasn’t here when that was put in place and I don’t think it is fair for me to voice what I think about it.
“I’m disappointed for Christ but ultimately there are procedures that are put in place that we have to follow.
“I want as many Welsh qualified players available to us because we haven’t got a massive pool.
“Ultimately you’ve got to follow the process.”
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