The Cardiff utility back could have a big role to play for Wales this autumn
Cardiff’s Jacob Beetham could have a big part to play with Wales this autumn(Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)
Rising Welsh rugby star Jacob Beetham is hoping to put over a year of injury hell behind him to make an impact for Wales this autumn.
Beetham has long been tipped as a future international player by many within the Welsh game, but a series of injuries have stalled his progress. Last year the Cardiff full-back won his first Wales cap as a replacement against South Africa and Twickenham before touring Australia.
Beetham was in line to play the midweek match against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane but a foot injury ruled him out and kept the 24-year-old out for most of last season.
But his impressive form for Cardiff, who are fourth in the United Rugby Championship, has earnt Beetham a Wales recall.
Former Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt, who is now Wales’ attack coach, sees Beetham as a full-back but he can also play centre.
Versatility has been both a blessing and a curse for numerous players over the years but Beetham is happy to slot in anywhere. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
“That can vary from game to game,” said Beetham when asked what his preferred position is.
“I haven’t had too many minutes and at the end of the day if I’m involved in the game, if it’s a game where I’m getting my hands on the ball, defensively as well getting involved.
“That’s the main thing is being properly a part of the game.
“Again, it’s not a straightforward answer and I couldn’t tell you exactly.
“I’m still figuring it out myself.
“I’ll back myself with whatever position or whatever the coaches and the team need me to do.
“It just so happens with Cardiff with our injuries I’ve been trying out different positions which is good.
“The main thing is I haven’t had much rugby over the last two or three years.
“If that is stepping in at 13 I will do my absolute best and try my absolute hardest to do a job there whether it’s for Cardiff or Wales.”
Due to his versatility and the fact Wales will be without their English-based contingent for the out-of-window Test against South Africa, there is every chance Beetham could figure heavily this autumn. Join WalesOnline Rugby’s WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
It has been a long and arduous road back to Test rugby for the 24-year-old who once turned down an invitation from Gregor Townsend to represent Scotland in the 2024 Six Nations.
“It was a tough time (2024 tour of Australia) because I wanted to put everything into it but through carrying this ankle injury throughout this whole thing it was a pretty tough time because training ramps up and there’s the pressure of trying to perform,” he said.
“But it pushes you outside of your comfort zone but for me it has only helped me coming back into Cardiff the season after and now I have that experience of what it’s like to be playing or train at national level.
“So, I know what I have to do week to week here at Cardiff to then give me the best chance to not only play as best as I can for Cardiff but when chances come up to be involved with the national squad again.
“I hope that I’ve learnt enough from that experience to feel a bit better going into this camp with a little bit more experience of what’s expected and what I need to do to put my best foot forward.”
It has always been Beetham’s dream to represent Wales at the Principality Stadium where he hopes to emulate his childhood heroes.
“I loved coming down to watch the games,” he said.
“I guess the golden era with your Hensons, your James Hooks, Shane Williams and all those boys playing. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
“I did love watching Gavin Henson play.
“He was a class act on the pitch so I really liked watching him play.
“There’s so many players I could name but probably that era of players.
“Even back with Sam Warburton, George North and Pence (Leigh Halfpenny) as well. All these boys I used to look up to them so much.
“If I get a chance to play in the stadium it will definitely be a dream come true and something I’ve worked really hard to try to do.”
For Beetham, that long-awaited opportunity could soon arrive — and after years of setbacks, few would begrudge him his moment under the lights in the Welsh capital.
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