GARETH Delve will realise a lifetime rugby ambition if he makes the Wales squad for next month’s World Cup.
And no-one could accuse the 28-year-old forward of trying to achieve it the easy way.
Delve, fresh from a first full season of Super Rugby with the Melbourne Rebels, is about to embark on a three-Test schedule that will decide his World Cup fate.
The former Gloucester captain is determined to do everything in his power to be part of Wales coach Warren Gatland’s 30-man group that leaves for New Zealand on August 31.
He has never previously played in a World Cup - shoulder and knee problems during an injury-hit career wrecked his hopes in 2003 and 2007 - yet Delve has arguably found the form of his life heading towards Wales’ opening warm-up clash against England on Saturday.
“It is great to be involved and have a chance to get on the plane for New Zealand,” said the number eight.
“I want the chance to get out on to the field this month and show what I can do. This is one of the fittest squads I have ever been involved with, and it has been hard getting up to their standard.
“The first week in Poland I was just trying to show I was worth a place in the squad. Hopefully, now I can start to have a bit more impact on the place and try to show I have learned a few things.”
