By Peter Ryan – @PeterRyanSports
Often referred to as the heartbeat of the pack, the hooker position is vital to the workings of a rugby team.
From lineouts to scrums, they are involved in it all and are the pack’s anchor. There have been many sensational hookers to come out of Wales.
Players like Matthew Rees, Ken Owens, and Richard Hibbard have all done remarkable things in the number two jersey.
Many promising talents occupy the position today, and many of these athletes have been given the chance on the international stage.
One name that Warren Gatland should provide an opportunity for is Cardiff’s captain, Liam Belcher, who has produced many phenomenal performances at the Arms Park.
Belcher looks like a fantastic and consistent talent who deserves a chance on the international stage. Once he returns from injury, he will be looking to make a statement for the future.
Liam Belcher
Treorchy is where Belcher’s rugby journey began, as he rose through the junior ranks at the club.
Like many players in the current Cardiff squad, the hooker came through the club’s academy and was capped at the Wales Under-20 level.
In 2014, Belcher took to the field with Cardiff for the first time in the LV= Cup against the Scarlets, where his side was victorious.
As well as Cardiff, Belcher has spent time at Rodney Parade with the Dragons. The 28-year-old returned to the capital later that year and hasn’t looked back since.
He is coming off a phenomenal season, which resulted in him securing the Peter Thomas Player of the Year award.
Belcher possesses many attributes that would be desirable to Warren Gatland. The Welshman is an absolute workhorse, a dynamic ball carrier, a fierce tackler, and excellent over the ball.
His stats in the URC highlight his strengths perfectly, as Belcher made 174 tackles, the most in the competition, with a success rate of 92%.
Along with this, the Welshman won nine turnovers throughout the season. However, what will be most pleasing for the Wales coach is that Cardiff wins a lot of lineouts when he is throwing the ball in.
Belcher has qualities in his game and has done more than enough to earn a chance to wear the famous red jersey.
Other Players on the Scene
There are many impressive athletes in the position in Wales right now.
The first name that comes to mind is Dewi Lake, who always makes his presence felt whenever he takes to the pitch.
It will be hard for anyone to take his starting job, as he is integral to the leadership core of the young Wales team.
The Ospreys player also brings a tremendous amount of physicality to the game, which is something Wales particularly needs.
In Llanelli, you will find Ryan Elias, who has been around the Wales set-up for many years.
One of the strengths Elias brings is his scrummaging, but his lineout win rate isn’t as high as his fellow hookers.
Belcher’s teammate, Evan Lloyd, has been given opportunities for Wales.
Still, the young Welshman needs time to develop and grow as a competitor. However, he seems to be highly regarded by Gatland and Co. Dragons’ Elliot Dee is an exceptional player and has been very dependable for Wales over the years.
On his day, Belcher is one of the best in Wales, and what else does he have to prove?
What He Can Bring to Wales
Belcher has much to offer a Wales team rebuilding after the 2023 World Cup.
As stated before, Belcher can bring many skills to the national team. He’s great around the park and clinical in the lineout.
Belcher has a lot of experience in leadership roles, especially now as captain of his club.
He could offer a steady head to an inexperienced Wales squad in vital situations. Belcher has shown he can perform in big games and handle pressure.
If Lake has a sensational season with the Ospreys and Wales, he could fly to Australia with the British & Irish Lions.
Wales will travel to Japan in the summer, possibly when Belcher makes his mark on the international game.
At 28, Belcher is in his prime now, and his chance for Wales must come sooner rather than later. Wales is looking for promising talent as it builds towards 2027.
He is the type of player who will resonate with the nation; he is tough and resilient. It would be fantastic to see him in a Wales jersey.
READ MORE: Could Jarrod Evans be the answer for Wales at fly-half?
