AARON Wainwright says he wouldn’t be comfortable playing for Wales in the autumn internationals if he hasn’t made his return from injury for the Dragons.
The number eight has won the Welsh Rugby Writer’s Association Lloyd Lewis award for Wales player of the year after a superb 2023/24 in which he cemented himself in the back row.
However, Wainwright faces a race to be fit for the November series at Principality Stadium after rupturing his left hamstring when winning his 50th cap against Australia in July.
The 27-year-old is making rapid progress and could return to face Fiji, the Wallabies and South Africa.
However, Wainwright insists he will only take to the field in Cardiff if he has proved himself in the United Rugby Championship.
The back rower will not make the Dragons’ home encounters against the Sharks and Lions but the Rodney Parade clash against Benetton on Saturday, October 19 is possible.
Warren Gatland names his squad after that fixture with the club then signing off for the first block of the URC with a trip to Connacht.
Wainwright has done some contact training and sprinting in training as he closes in on a return but will be guided by the medical staff.
"They're the guys that are there to dictate when I come back and they're the ones who are in charge,” said Wainwright. "Ideal scenario, I'd try and play for Dragons before anything else.
"I don't think I would be too comfortable, if selected, to go straight back in and play international rugby. I’m just focusing on getting the body right and going from there.
“The Dragons’ start to the season has been incredibly encouraging, so hopefully I can add to that when I come back.
"First thing first is just to get myself and my body back right. Try and get back playing and training well and then just go from there."
Wainwright’s presence would be a huge boost for Wales as they try to end a nine-Test losing streak, with their last success the World Cup group stage win against Georgia.
Where has it gone wrong for Gatland’s squad?
"Probably that just the balance of having a lot of younger newer guys coming into the squad and a lot of those experienced guys leaving the squad,” said Wainwright. “Getting some of the younger guys up to speed with things and settling into international rugby.
"If you look back as well there's been a lot of games we've been in and close to winning. Two that stick out in my mind are Scotland and England in the Six Nations.
“That's probably where you need a little bit more experience just to see those games out.
“It's building and if the regions keep performing and playing well, those guys there get that experience of winning and what it takes to win, then hopefully that feeds into the international squad.”
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