MX23RW : Friday, December 13 11:23:04| >> :600:486399:486399:

Luke Charteris backs rookie Lloyd Burns

Charteris backs rookie Lloyd Burns
© PA Photos
Luke Charteris backs Dragons team-mate Lloyd Burns to make an impact in the World Cup.

Wales lock Luke Charteris has backed hooker Lloyd Burns to push for a start in during the World Cup.

Burns, capped only three times by Wales, was named in Warren Gatland’s squad earlier this week as a replacement for injured hookers Matthew Rees and Richard Hibbard.

The 26-year-old signed his first professional contract last season with the Dragons, having played semi-pro with Cross Keys in the Principality Premiership the season before

Charteris, however, believes that his Newport-Gwent Dragons teammate deserves his place.

"Lloyd is a quality player and a great bloke," Charteris told the WRU website. "The attitude he came in with at the Dragons was great and you could see his talent from the off.

"He has real strength in the tackle area and he brings added back-row skills to the side.

"He is powerful round the park and has done well since he has come in and I think he will be challenging for a start."

Wales kick off their World Cup campaign against South Africa on Sunday, September 11.

ID:2223: cacheID:2223:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1904:
Written by
Tom Williams
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Richard Hibbard
Read Next:
Hibbard a World Cup doubt
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Rams
@
49ers


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!