Wales rugby: School time is over, says Will Rowlands before autumn internationals

Will Rowlands insists Wales are ready to prove they have learned the lessons of one of their toughest ever years.

Wales are without a Test win in 2024 having lost their last nine internationals since beating Georgia in last autumn's World Cup.

It is a miserable run that has brought a World Cup exit, a Wooden Spoon in the Six Nations and a record low 11th in the world rankings.

But it has also seen an unrivalled rebuilding process under Warren Gatland after the loss of a generation of stars.

Gatland has used 13 uncapped players this calendar year in a team that has, at times, looked more like a rugby nursery school.

Now Rowlands, at 33 the eldest forward in the 35-strong squad, says Wales know it is time to graduate on the international scene.

"Iâ€TMm 100% confident we can break this losing streak," said the lock.

"Since the World Cup it has been a different period for Wales â€" the experienced players weâ€TMve lost and the younger players who have come in.

"The coaches have been brilliant in creating an environment that is supportive, positive and welcoming to developing talent. But that has changed now.

"That was a necessary period, but now we are into the business of winning rugby matches.

"As a group, led by Gats, that was the message from day one in this camp. School time is over, I guess.

"There's already a hard edge in training. The guys are aware of the challenge that lies ahead of us and it's go time."

Rowlands will likely be at the forefront among a clutch of experienced players recalled by Gatland to face Fiji, Australia and South Africa this month.

A long campaign last season, a move to France to join Racing 92, and the arrival of a first child saw Rowlands given the summer off.

"Missing the summer was the right thing both physically and mentally for me, but I've come back really enthused and positive and that is a reflection of the environment here," he said.

"In the last 12 months I have felt a slightly different expectation to have a bit more influence on the group. It has felt pretty natural and more enjoyable."

The Oxford University graduate was a relatively late arrival to Test rugby, in 2019 then aged 28, but swiftly became among the first names on Gatland's team sheet and has been hailed "the next Alun Wyn Jones" by former Wales lock Ian Gough.

A career in finance looked to be calling for the double varsity blue before he was handed his first professional contract at Wasps by former Wales captain Dai Young.

"I was ancient by comparison to a lot of the Welsh players who have come into the squad of late," said Rowlands.

"I feel proud of my journey so far, but Iâ€TMve got more things Iâ€TMd like to do before I can say Iâ€TMve made it or achieved everything I want to achieve."

Jones played Test rugby until he was 37, so Rowlands, a Six Nations winner in 2021, still has time.

Born in Hammersmith, London, Rowlands qualifies for Wales through his father, who convinced him to pursue his rugby ambitions.

"It has all happened very gradually. It was a bit of a struggle in the first year. I didnâ€TMt play much rugby while my old uni friends were just starting off their careers and I wondered if I was just wasting my time.

"But my father told me to bide my time and see what happens. Iâ€TMm glad that was the advice and the decision I took to stick it out. With luck, opportunity and a bit of ability, it has been a fantastic journey so far."