In a surprising turn of events, Wales loosehead prop Rhys Carre is reportedly contemplating a return to the Gallagher Premiership, eyeing a potential reunion with the English champions, Saracens. This speculation comes four years after Carre’s initial return to Cardiff from a season-long stint with Saracens.
The 25-year-old forward spent the 2019/20 season in London after making the switch from Cardiff. However, following Saracens’ relegation, Carre returned to the Welsh capital for the subsequent season. Now, there are murmurs of a possible return to the English club, as per reports from WalesOnline.
With budget constraints looming in the upcoming season in Wales, Carre could entertain a lucrative offer from another league, especially if he finds himself on the fringes of the international scene. Despite his involvement in Wales’ 2023 Six Nations campaign, Carre was released early from Warren Gatland’s World Cup training camp due to fitness concerns.
If his international exile persists, a move to one of Europe’s rugby powerhouses might offer Carre an avenue for career advancement. However, it’s worth noting that, with 20 caps, he falls short of Wales’ 25-cap threshold for selection from abroad. This implies that Carre would potentially put his Test career on hold while playing in England unless he adds another five caps in the upcoming Six Nations.
In addition to Carre’s potential Premiership venture, reports also suggest that Gloucester is expressing interest in Carre’s Cardiff and Wales teammate, scrum-half Tomos Williams. With 53 caps to his name, Williams, unlike Carre, remains eligible to play in the Premiership without sacrificing his chances of representing Wales on the international stage.
As the transfer market rumors gain momentum, the summer could witness a growing number of players making strategic moves across the River Severn, with Gloucester actively pursuing talent to bolster their squad for the upcoming seasons.