Rob Baxter, the head coach for Exeter Chiefs, feels that emerging talent Zack Wimbush should disregard discussions concerning his eligibility for international teams, even as he receives high praise for assisting his club in reaching the PREM Rugby Cup semi-finals.
Wimbush, a 22-year-old born in Hong Kong and measuring 6 feet 6 inches tall, is eligible to represent Wales via his mother and also England, which is anticipated to be his preferred nation; he delivered a remarkable try during their victory against Bath, securing their spot in the final four.
However, Baxter states that the outside centre, who has notched three tries in his recent two appearances for the Chiefs, is still quite a distance from needing to finalize such a choice, notwithstanding the discussions emanating from Wales.
“I am aware that Wales has begun to express certain viewpoints. Nevertheless, no one has communicated with me directly. Zack himself has not mentioned anything to me. In my view, he is still a considerable distance from being compelled to make a significant choice regarding that matter.
“I believe this exemplifies one of those scenarios where, upon noticing a player performing at a respectable level, and if they possess eligibility through Welsh or Scottish lineage or other means, these discussions abruptly emerge.
“Yet, I genuinely think he is far from a point where he needs to be concerned about whether he opts to qualify for England or Wales, or even Hong Kong, for that matter,” Baxter conveyed to RugbyPass.
Baxter and the Chiefs are now benefiting from their decision to loan Wimbush to Plymouth Albion, a high-achieving team in National One, where he developed the proficiency that enabled him to impress upon his comeback to Sandy Park.
“I am completely open about this. Should I determine that a player isn’t performing adequately and requires playing experience above all else, we arrange for them to go out on loan.
“I believe this because, in my opinion, participating in rugby matches is paramount. This was our approach, initially with Cornish Pirates, though he sustained an injury and consequently saw limited play.
“We brought him back to complete his rehabilitation and then placed him with Plymouth, as they were seeking a player. He has performed excellently, and those displays justified his inclusion in the PREM Cup squad, from which he has continued to progress.
“This is the method we aim to employ. What’s peculiar is that I encounter supporters here who approach me and
They question, why hasn’t Zack Wimbush been playing throughout the season? They find it absurd that he was on loan at Plymouth.
“My response was, no, his loan spell at Plymouth is precisely why he is performing strongly currently. And that is the aspect that individuals occasionally fail to grasp. One must actively participate in rugby to achieve peak condition and form,” he concluded.
