Ex-Wales star hastily deletes post slamming rookie's 'kick in the teeth' selection

Former British & Irish Lion and Wales international back row Ross Moriarty has publicly lambasted one of Warren Gatland's selections, implying that it diminishes the sanctity of the Wales badge.

Moriarty took to social media after Wales' 20-9 win over England in their Rugby World Cup warm-up in Cardiff to express his discontent over the selection of Taine Plumtree for a Wales cap, despite the back row having played just six professional games.

Twenty-three-year-old former New Zealand U20 loose forward Plumtree featured off the bench against England, having just signed for Welsh URC side Scarlets this June. Moriarty clearly wasn't impressed that the son of former All Blacks coach John Plumtree had been fast-tracked into the team, having never played for a Welsh side and having just six appearances for Super Rugby outfit the Blues.

"'Must be a kick in the teeth to the back rowers who play in wales [sic] and moved back to wales [sic] to see lad who played 6 professional games get a cap for wales [sic] really takes the mick out of the passion for the badge" Moriarty posted in a reply to a picture of Wales' new cap on Instagram.

Moriarty's remarks have added fuel to the ongoing speculation about the nature of his relationship with Warren Gatland's Wales management and his exit from Welsh rugby.

Earlier this year, the 28-year-old, who was on the periphery of Gatland's Rugby World Cup plans, formally opted out of Wales' selection altogether.

Moriarty returned to Wales in 2018 from Gloucester and made 54 appearances for the club, earning 35 caps for Wales during his tenure at Rodney Parade. However, recent frustrations over his national team prospects and Welsh rugby in general seemingly pushed him to leave Dragons in April in order "to explore opportunities overseas" - namely with new club Brive in France.

Notably, Moriarty's sister is married to Cardiff flanker Thomas Young, who also returned to Wales with the hope of earning test honours. Unfortunately for him, Young also found himself surplus to the national team's requirements after just four caps, the last of which came in 2021.