Wales legend Shane Williams has named three rookies he would like to see Warren Gatland select in his World Cup training squad, including one who “can no longer be forgotten”.

Gatland will call his squad to training camps in Switzerland and Turkey in the coming weeks, before starting three warm-ups against England (twice) and South Africa respectively.

And Williams urged the New Zealander to look to Ospreys duo Keiran Williams and Morgan Morris, along with Scarlets winger Ryan Conbeer.

“The Ospreys have Keiran Williams who I think is excellent and he’s a bit of a different player than what Wales have played compared to Joe Hawkins and Nick Tompkins,” said the former player of the year.

“I really wanted him to have a chance during the Six Nations so I hope he gets involved again to gain more experience.

“I’m a huge fan of Ryan Conbeer in Scarlets. He plays in a position where we are quite strong, but he is a player who has impressed me as much this year as he did last year with the Scarlets.

“But the one for me that I really hope I get a shot at is Morgan Morris for the Ospreys.”

Ospreys No 8 Morris has been one of the most consistent players in the Rugby United Championship in recent seasons, but has not made a single appearance for Wales to date.

Wales are blessed on both the blind and open side, but there are very few genuine alternatives for Taulupe Faletau at the back of the scrum.

Many critics doubt that Morris has the stature to play Test Rugby, but Williams is convinced he has what it takes to stand out.

“I’ve covered the Ospreys a few times this year and they haven’t had a bad game,” Williams said.

“He was seven out of 10 every time he played and he was superb against the Dragons recently.

“He was known as a great owner of the ball, strong in stops and tackles, but with the ball in his hands he always played in the right positions.

“He almost looks like a bigger version of Justin Tipuric at times because he comes into midfield and is a spreader while taking a big step.

“I think it just keeps getting better. It can no longer be ignored.”

With his flamboyance, Williams was considered one of the best wingers on the planet, if not the best, so he has the right to judge anyone who plays in his former position.

Wing is no weak position for Wales, with the likes of Louis Rees-Zammit, Liam Williams, Josh Adams, Alex Cuthbert and Rio Dyer all vying for places.

But Williams would like Gatland to take a closer look at Scarlets winger Conbeer, who has impressed regionally in recent seasons.

“He has the potential to play international rugby, but it’s a big step forward,” said Williams.

“When I watch him, I like the pace of his work. He is strong with the ball, holds it well, runs in and out of the shoulder line and makes his line run correctly, which is why he scores so many tries.

“Sometimes it’s just an easy shoulder kick and it’s under the posts. It has all the attributes I like in an extreme.

“Does he have the same speed as Louis Rees-Zammit? No, probably not, but he’s a very involved player.

“I like the fact that sometimes it feels like he’s being attacked, but he bounces back. He is strong with a low center of gravity and the Scarlets always seem to be in demand from these players.

“I think he has all the qualities to be a good international winger, but the problem is that in Wales we tend to have some good wingers or full-backs.”

Wales have endured a torrid spell over the past 18 months, with defeats at home to Italy and Georgia costing Wayne Pivac his job, while under Gatland’s return they finished fifth in the Six Nations with just one win.

But Gatland will have several months of uninterrupted access to its players over the summer and Williams is confident it will go a long way towards boosting its chances of qualifying for this autumn’s World Cup in France.

“Two months of access to your players is a lot different than two weeks,” said Williams.

“I knew his old guard. He knew all about his Alan Wynn and his Ken Owens, but how much did he know about Jack Morgan and Hawkins? No

“He certainly didn’t have enough time because he also had a new coaching staff with him.

“The Six Nations was never easy.

“Before the Six Nations I was a bit worried about the amount of access I had to players and I understand it wasn’t a lot, so two months is a big difference.

“At training camps, I can guarantee these guys are going to take a beating and work hard.

“It will not only be fitness, but also combined work. They will have to work because they will hit each other.

“They will have to be strong mentally and physically. Some of the players will be able to hack it and some will not.

“Some people like that environment and thrive in that environment, while others struggle. I saw it myself.

“I have no doubt that they will be better, better prepared and stronger for the World Cup.”

shane williams he is part of the Viaplay team which broadcasts every BKT United Rugby Championship game live throughout the season, including all the action from the play-off stages to the grand final. Shane will join the Viaplay team Graham Little, Andrew Trimble, Connor Morris and Paul Marshall in Belfast on Friday night to Ulster vs Dragons RFC (Live on Viaplay from 7pm). Then, on Saturday night, he’ll catch all the action in the Scottish capital. Edinburgh home to Ospreys (live on Viaplay at 19:20) next to Emma Dodds, John Barkley, Rory Hamilton and Connie McLaughlin.

This weekend’s coverage of all Welsh rugby at the URC will be live on Viaplay, including Glasgow Warriors v Scarlets on Friday night and the journey from Cardiff to Connacht on Saturday.

Visit www.viaplay.com for more info. Viaplay is available on Sky, Virgin TV, Amazon Prime and online via the Viaplay app.

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