Wales centre Joe Hawkins says missing the 2023 Rugby World Cup has made him more determined to make the next global tournament in Australia in 2027. After his move from Ospreys to Exeter in 2023, Hawkins was deemed ineligible for Wales by the Professional Rugby Board because of the 25-cap rule.
Joe Hawkins (Credits: Huw Evans Picture Agency/BBC Sport)
Joe Hawkins and the 25-Cap Rule That Ruled Him Out of 2023
The rule says players with fewer than 25 caps are unavailable for Wales if they are not involved with a Welsh club. That ruled Hawkins out of the 2023 World Cup in France, but the 24-year-old has since returned to the national side after signing for the Scarlets.
“It would have been nice to have a World Cup under my belt already, but that just makes me even more excited for potentially what’s ahead over the next year,” Hawkins said. He added that he loved his couple of years in Exeter, both for the life experience and for playing in the Premiership.
Wales’ Centre Battle Heats Up Ahead of Nations Championship
Wales have a minimum of 12 matches before the World Cup, starting with the Nations Championship opener against Japan in Cardiff next Saturday. Hawkins and Scarlets partner Eddie James have developed into Wales’ first-choice centre pairing over the past 12 months.
Head coach Steve Tandy has selected five different starting midfield partnerships in 13 games since taking charge in September 2025, with Hawkins and James the most prolific pair across seven games. With Ben Thomas missing through a calf injury, Hawkins appears to be competing with uncapped Dragons centre Aneurin Owen for the No. 12 jersey.
“Eddie and I have a good relationship on and off the field,” Hawkins said. “That is starting to grow on the pitch with the more opportunities we get together.”
With the World Cup 12 months away, the carrot at the end of the year is clear — but Hawkins knows he has to take care of the here and now first.
Also Read: Nigel Davies Backs Macs Page to Earn Wales Debut ‘Sooner Rather Than Later’ After Late Call-Up | Wales 29-5 Japan: Five-Try Win Completes WXV Double as Lynn’s Side Finish on a High
Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
