Josh Macleod has learned to take nothing for granted during his professional career and is delighted to be heading to Japan or this summer’s two Test series.
The Scarlets skipper is used to injuries disrupting his career at exactly the wrong time, and that’s why he wasn’t sure if he’d make the cut for this summer.
But a strong season with his pro club, helping them to reach the BKT United Rugby Championship play-offs and qualify for next season’s Investec Champions Cup, was enough to earn him a call-up to the Wales tour party – along with a clean bill of health!
“I wasn’t entirely sure I’d get the call. I was part of the 2023 World Cup training camp and then a shoulder injury set me back,” said the 28-year-old back row man.
“I just kept my head down with my club and tried to perform for the Scarlets. It’s great to be back in the Wales squad.
“I’ve had a decent bit of bad luck over the years, so this year one of my main focuses has been to stay fit. I do all I can off the pitch to hit that target, and so far, so good.”
Despite the set-backs – he was selected for Wales’ Autumn and Six Nations squads only for injury to prevent him winning his first cap in 2021 and was then selected to take on Scotland only for a serious Achilles injury sustained during training to rule him out for the entire 2022 campaign – he did finally make the grade and won the first of his two caps to date against Georgia in 2022.
Now the goal is to taste victory in a Welsh shirt as he competes with Taulupe Faletau, Aaron Wainwright, Alex Mann, Taine Plumtree and Tommy Reffell for a spot against the Japanese.
“It would mean a lot to get a win. There’s a great atmosphere and it’s a great environment, and everyone’s always willing to learn,” added Macleod
“Obviously, we can’t shy away from past performances and past results, but I guess not having been involved for a fair while I bring a fresh outlook, a bit of leadership and a calm head.
“I’ll do whatever’s needed for the team. That’s my job and if that’s what I’m asked to do I’ll do my best to do that.
“No Test match is easy. There is a young, aspiring group here mixed in with a bit of experience – we’ve set out with targets in mind and we’ll look to fulfil them.
“We’ve touched on the fact that we are looking to end the losing run and we know we’ve got a job to do in the conditions. We’ve got to pull together, stay tight as a group, look to produce on the pitch and get that win.
“At the Scarlets we went back to our fundamentals, back to our processes and didn’t become so outcome focused. I believe if you stick to that you won’t go too far wrong.”