Photo via BBC Sport

Wales great Faletau still has drive for fourth World Cup

Welsh rugby legend **Toby Faletau** is still eyeing a fourth Rugby World Cup appearance after missing the 2019 tournament due to a pre-tournament injury. The experienced number eight, who has represented Wales in three Lions tours and played at the 2011, 2015, and 2023 World Cups, remains determined to secure a spot in next year’s competition in Australia.

His coach, **Rob Tandy**, has praised Faletau’s competitive spirit, noting that the player’s ambition extends beyond club rugby with Cardiff Rugby, where he has appeared just 31 times since joining from Bath in 2022. While durability remains a key concern—especially for a player in his later career—Tandy expressed optimism that Faletau can handle the physical demands of back-to-back international fixtures, a necessity for any player selected in Wales’ 33-man squad.

Faletau’s path to selection may hinge on his performances in the upcoming November Tests against Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and another opponent during the Nations Championship finals weekend in Cardiff. His first test in the current season comes this Friday against the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship (URC).

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