Wales centre Joe Hawkins says missing the 2023 Rugby World Cup has fuelled his determination to feature in the 2027 tournament in Australia. After moving from the Ospreys to Exeter Chiefs in 2023, Hawkins was ruled ineligible for Wales under the Professional Rugby Board's 25-cap rule, which prevents players with fewer than 25 caps from representing Wales if they play outside the Welsh regional system. The 24-year-old has since returned to the national setup after signing for the Scarlets.
"I have no regrets," Hawkins said. "It would have been nice to have a World Cup under my belt already, but that just makes me even more excited for potentially what's ahead over the next year." Wales have a minimum of 12 matches before the World Cup, beginning with the Nations Championship opener against Japan in Cardiff next Saturday.
Centre partnership with Eddie James
Hawkins and Scarlets teammate Eddie James have emerged as Wales' first-choice centre pairing over the past 12 months, starting together in seven matches including an uncapped victory over the Barbarians. Head coach Steve Tandy has used five different midfield combinations in 13 games since taking charge in September 2025, but the Scarlets duo have been the most frequent selection. Attack coach Matt Sherratt favours a creative ball-playing inside centre, a role Hawkins embraces.
"Eddie and I have a good relationship on and off the field," Hawkins said. "That is starting to grow on the pitch with the more opportunities we get together." With Ben Thomas sidelined by a calf injury, Hawkins is competing for the number 12 jersey with uncapped Dragons centre Aneurin Owen, while Max Llewellyn has also played inside centre for Gloucester this season.
Hawkins, who has also played fly-half for the Scarlets, believes his experience at number 10 enhances his understanding of the game at inside centre. "It gives me a lot more respect for the 10s, having been in there, with all the work they do," he added. "It probably helps me when I play centre from being a 10, I know what they need from me a little bit more."
