Cam Winnett admits he was “gutted” and “hurt” to be left out of Wales‘ Six Nations squad but the Cardiff full-back says he has turned that negative into a positive by taking the opportunity to re-emerge as a better player.
No one started more Tests for Wales in 2024 than Winnett – nine in total. Yet come the new year and the Championship, he wasn’t just left out of the team by Warren Gatland, he didn’t even make the squad.
“I was very gutted at the start of it, but I kind of flipped it and tried to turn it into a positive,” says the 22-year-old.
“The last year and a half has been a big jump. I played a lot of games, so I wanted to reflect on that, work on my work-ons and work on myself.
“When I look at that eight-week period where I missed out on playing for Wales, I feel like I’m better for it now.
Development
“I have developed physically. I have put a bit of weight which I am happy with. I had found it tough to do that during the period of playing every week. So I have been able to really focus on that.
“My work-ons have been some of my defence and just working on my good stuff as well, my kicking, high balls, being a second playmaker.
“I feel like I am in a good place now. Going into the end of the season, I can give it a good crack.”
Winnett made a rapid rise to international rugby, with his Wales debut coming against Scotland in February of last year midway through his first full campaign at regional level.
“I tried to take it with both hands. I loved my time playing up there,” he says. “I’ve gained a lot of experience from getting my first cap, playing in the Six Nations, going on the summer tour, playing in the autumn.
“Then I got the set-back of being left out of the squad which I was really disappointed with. That’s an experience in itself.
“It hurt at the start, but I was able to work on myself and reflect on my year and a half. I’m not going to let it set me back, I’m always going to try and get better.
“I am going to keep knocking at the door and hopefully I will be back in that jersey.”
Matt Sherratt
Winnett’s club coach Matt Sherratt – who took interim charge of Wales midway through the Six Nations – is convinced that will be the case.
“Cam is going to get a lot more Welsh caps if he stays fit and keeps working as he is,” he said.
“The reality is he probably did need a break. Sometimes, it’s not just a break physically, it’s mentally and emotionally as well.
“He spoke to me straight away about it being an opportunity for him to improve his physical preparation, so I think on the whole it was a good break for him.”
Cardiff fly-half Callum Sheedy added: “Cam is just on a different level with how professional and consistent he is.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen him have a bad game or a bad training session. He is unbelievable.”
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