Wales star Taulupe Faletau bids to make his third World Cup with the backing of not just one, but two nations.
The No.8 has played just one game since breaking his right forearm in October. He came back to face Wasps in January and ended up breaking the same bone once again.
It came as a cruel blow to the two-time Lion, who developed a reputation as being one of the most indestructible players around during his time at the Dragons, rarely missing a game.
Before linking up with Wales to prepare for the Rugby World Cup, Faletau returned to Tonga for Billy Vunipola’s wedding, and it’s a country that he is still very much attached to.
“It was awesome to get back there – it was the first time I had been there since 2011, so it was awesome to see the family and the culture again,” said Faletau.
“I was born there but moved to Wales when I was seven – this time round I took my partner down and the kids and everyone had a great time. My only regret was that I wasn’t there longer.
“It’s a small country, so you get recognised by everybody. They are proud and back their own. You can see with the rugby league there they have a huge amount of supporters and any Tongan playing for another country they will support them hugely too.”
When asked if he felt he represented his country of birth when he took the field, Faletau replied: “Definitely. I represent Wales now, but I am Tongan. If I can make them proud by playing for Wales I will be happy to do that.”
Faletau is currently in Switzerland with the rest of Warren Gatland’s squad preparing for the 2019 Rugby World Cup at an altitude camp.
He’s continuing to recover from a second operation, during which a second plate was inserted, and is easing his way back into taking contact.
The indomitable No.8 has been doing some contact work with former Wales hooker and current conditioning coach Huw Bennett and progressed into a fairly full-blooded contact session on Saturday.
“I had the same procedure the second time around, the surgeon put another plate the other side of the bone to strengthen it,” explained Faletau.
“A bone graft was mentioned the second time around but we decided against it.
“I’m not sure why it happened again, I’d rather not look back and point fingers. This time around it’s solid enough.”
Faletau went on to admit that his time away from the game, during which he’s had to watch on as Wales extended their unbeaten run to 14 and won the Grand Slam, has lit a fire under him.
“I didn’t realise at the time but being away from rugby for that amount of time, there is more hunger there now I guess,” he admitted.
“You are doing it year-in year-out you take it for granted at times.
“It was more frustrating the second time around because I was looking forward to playing some rugby at the end of the season but it just wasn’t meant to be.
“It’s always during the build up to games where I wish I was a part of it or at least being around the group.”
If Faletau can prove his fitness ahead of this year’s global showpiece, he will be one of the first names pencilled in to a very competitive back row squadron.
The Wales management are content with his progress so far, but they will be keen for him to take part in the games against England and Ireland next month.
