Nick MacLeod
Nick MacLeod - drafted into the Welsh squad
MacLeod answers Welsh call
4 June 2006, 9:25 am
By Jonathan McConnell
Wales coach Gareth Jenkins has added Cardiff Blues’ Nick Macleod to the squad for the two-Test tour of Argentina, after Hal Luscombe was forced to withdraw with a rib injury.
Luscombe was due to fly out to South America alongside his Newport Gwent Dragons colleagues Nathan Brew, Rhys Thomas, Luke Charteris, Ian Gough and Jamie Ringer, but was injured during the Heineken Cup play-off clash with Overmach Parma on Friday.
Macleod has been called back from a summer holiday in France and is now set to fly-out on Sunday.
 
"Nick, at 23, is another youngster who will learn from the experience of a tough tour against Argentina," said Jenkins.  "He gives us options and can play at outside half and full-back as well as kick goals and we are sure he will relish what is probably an unexpected opportunity for him.
"It's hugely disappointing for Hal to miss out in this manner and disappointing for the squad as he is one of our senior players.

"He has an impact injury which would have ruled him out of the first Test and should really take three to four weeks to fully heal.
"But, as with all such cases, we have to take a positive view of the situation and see the opportunity that has been created for others within the squad.

"Nothing changes in the way we are approaching this tour. It's going to be a really hard couple of weeks for these young players and, by the end of it all, we aim to ensure they come back with an understanding of the responsibility and accountability required at this level.

"We have arrived in Argentina in a positive frame of mind, we have come here to win two Test matches and that's exactly what we plan to do."

All Pictures: ©  http://www.inpho.ie/, Huw Evans Agency,  Graham Stuart
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