By Dylan James
Jonah Holmes was a name on many lips when the Wales 2020 Six Nations squad was announced last Wednesday.
Holmes has been the subject of an abundance of discussion on social media, especially after five uncapped players were named in the 38-man squad. Despite popular belief Holmes has been capped three times by Wales but has failed to make a name for himself in recent years.
Plying his trade in England, the Stockport-born man has yet to sign a new deal with Leicester so therefore qualifies to play for Wales.
Leicester fans have been quick to display their discontent in losing him for a portion of the domestic season, whilst also wishing him well in his international exploits.
Oh noooo 😢 missing him aswell but well deserved he’s amazing and rightly should be included , but injure him again and the welsh team will have me to deal with 😂
— Suzanne Jayne (@deacon_suzanne) January 15, 2020
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However, it hasn’t been all positive appraisal for the speedster.
Welsh-based rugby fans have been quick to shoot down the claims of his class, making their thoughts known on Twitter.
I’ve yet to see anything from Holmes to suggest he’s in the same league as our other back 3 options. Seems to be a bit of the “he plays in England so he must be good” about it.
— Martin Jenkins (@MartinJenkins33) January 15, 2020
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Since signing for the Tigers in 2017, Holmes has notched up 120 points, scoring 24 tries. In contrast, George North has scored 12 tries in the same time frame, for Northampton Saints and the Ospreys respectively.
It is evident the 27 year old has the talent to thrive, perhaps even challenge the likes of North and Johnny McNicholl to that starting wing position, but will have to first be given the opportunity, which some fans believe will not be the case at all.
He’s so far away from the 23 in that squad they’d have been better off going for a young centre to get experience in camp.
— Cardiff Rugby Life (@CardiffRugbyWeb) January 15, 2020
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The discontent is understandable, with Wales’ centre crisis looming over the head of head of Wayne Pivac in recent weeks, you would have thought that the new coach would have opted for a little more depth in the midfield area, rather than enhancing the back line. However, only time will tell whether the right decision has been made.
In under two weeks the 2020 Guinness Six Nations gets underway, with Wales defending their title and players like Jonah Holmes among others looking to prove the doubters wrong.
IMAGE CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
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